Unexpected plumbing disasters can easily overwhelm anyone. When an emergency pipeline trouble strikes, the immediate worry of water damage, health risks, or safety issues is a serious concern. But the last thing you want to do is go into panic mode in a heartbeat.
Even when you can secure an emergency plumber right away, you need to take some proactive measures before help arrives. This will contain any further damage and keep you and your family safe.
Here’s what you must do while your local plumber is on the way.
Shut the Main Water Supply Valve
First things first: turn off your main shut-off valve. The last thing you need is more water coming into your home. Locate your main water supply valve and tighten it clockwise to turn it off. It’s usually located outside, near your water meter, or in your basement.
Shutting off the water helps prevent the leak from worsening, especially if it’s a burst pipe. If the leak is significant, every minute counts. Acting quickly will save you from major flooding and costly repairs from serious water damage.
Turn Off Electricity
If the leak is near any electrical outlets, appliances, or wires, cut the power to your home. Go to your electrical panel and turn off the breakers. Water and electricity don’t mix, and it’s best to be safe. The risk of water contamination or property damage is already a burden. So make sure you’re safe from the more serious risk of electrocution.
Drain Faucets and Pipes
Next, go to your faucets and turn them on. Let any remaining water in the pipes drain out. This will help reduce pressure in the pipes and prevent more water from spilling out once the plumber starts with the pipe line repair.
Clean the Affected Area
Grab towels, rags, or a mop to soak up the water and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the house. If the leak is minor, a few towels might do the trick. For larger leaks, use buckets or containers to capture as much water as possible.
Time is key here. The sooner you mop up the water, the less chance it has to seep into carpets, walls, or furniture. If you’ve got a wet-dry vacuum, this can be a huge help. The quicker you get the water out, the better your chances are of preventing further damage to your floors, drywall, and belongings.
Locate the Source of the Problem
If it’s safe, try to find where the leak is coming from. Is it under the sink? From a burst pipe in the wall? The more information you can give the plumber, the faster they can fix it. If you can’t identify the source, don’t worry—just make sure to keep your distance.
Document the Damage
Before things get too chaotic, take a few photos or videos. Document everything—the leak, the water damage, and the area around it. This is helpful for insurance claims or if you need to follow up with a professional later.
Call a Plumber
Once you’ve done all of the above, contact a plumber. Call your go-to plumbing service, and let them know you’ve had an emergency. If you’re unsure who to call, make sure you reach out to a licensed, insured professional who can respond quickly.
And while you’re on the line, you can start to run through your plumber about the issue at hand. Let them know what type of water line problem you’re dealing with and how severe. You can also provide more specific information, like the time the issue popped up, its location, and the possible other problems associated with it. These bits of information will help your plumber diagnose the problem quicker and do a pipeline repair much faster.
Reeling from an Unexpected Plumbing Disaster? Turn to Cisneros Brothers Plumbing, Septic, Restoration & Flood Services
Plumbing emergencies can strike when you least expect them, but you don’t have to face them alone. Once you’re done following these proactive measures, prioritize the next best step of calling a local plumber you can depend on.
At Cisneros Brothers Plumbing, Septic, Restoration & Flood Services, we’re here to help you recover quickly and efficiently. From burst pipes to major leaks, we provide fast, reliable repairs and expert solutions to get your home back to normal. When it comes to emergency pipeline repair, we respond with no delays and ensure our repairs are durable.
Don’t let a plumbing disaster ruin your day. Call us for immediate assistance, a free estimate, or emergency repairs! We’re ready to respond—no job is too big or small.
