Plumbing emergencies can feel overwhelming, especially when there’s little you can do to improve the situation. While you shouldn’t hesitate to contact a plumber when you have a problem such as a burst pipe or severe water damage, there are still some things that you can do before the plumber arrives. They obviously won’t solve all of your problems, but they will help keep you safe and assist in making the plumber’s job a little easier.
What Constitutes a Plumbing Emergency?
A plumbing emergency is any plumbing issue that can cause serious damage to your home and create an unsafe environment. A minor clog that causes a sink to drain slowly might require the services of a plumbing professional, but it isn’t exactly an emergency. On the other hand, multiple clogged drains that cause water to back up into your home could create serious problems and should be addressed right away.
Burst pipes and leaking water heaters that leave standing water everywhere are also considered emergencies, especially if that water is near any electrical appliances. You should also be on the lookout for signs of water damage or mold growth in your home. Look for things such as sagging ceilings, dark spots on your walls, or floors that feel soft or spongy. This could be a sign of a hidden leak somewhere in your home.
Simply put, any time there is significant damage to your plumbing or your home that will require you to shut off your water is a plumbing emergency. If you’re still not sure whether you have an emergency in your home, contact a plumber to explain the situation. They can give you advice on what to do next and be able to make repairs even if your problem is more of an inconvenience instead of an emergency.
With all that being said, here is what you can and should do when you have a plumbing emergency in your home.
1. Shut Off the Water in Your Home
Shutting off the water in your home is the first thing you should do in any plumbing emergency. It’s crucial for keeping flooding to a minimum if you have a leak or a burst pipe, and it will prevent water from backing up if you have a clogged drain. If you have a basement, the shutoff valve will likely be there. Look near your water heater or along the side of the house facing the street. If you don’t have a basement, your shutoff valve might be in your crawlspace or utility room. Again, look along the side of the house facing the street.
If your main shutoff valve is outside of your home, look for a concrete slab in your yard near the street. This is likely an access panel that houses the valve. It may be covered by grass or leaves, so look carefully.
In any event, it’s important to know where your main shutoff valve is located before you need it. Take some time to find it if you haven’t already.
2. Turn Off Your Electricity
If it is safe to do so, turn off the electricity to your water heater and any appliances that may come into contact with water. This will prevent damage to your water heater and reduce the risk of electrocution. Find your home’s electrical panel and turn off all the necessary circuit breakers. It is likely somewhere in your basement if you have one, but it might also be in your crawlspace, utility room, or garage. If there is any standing water or exposed wires near your electrical panel, then skip this step.
3. Move Your Belongings Somewhere Safe
If you have any belongings that could be damaged by water, move them someplace safe and dry if you can do so. Be very careful if you’re moving appliances or other electronic devices, especially if you weren’t able to turn off the power in your home. If you suspect that it isn’t safe to move your belongings for any reason, leave them be. Your safety is your top priority, and any items that have been destroyed can be replaced, especially if they’re insured.
4. Drain Your Water Lines
Once you’ve shut off your water and you aren’t in danger of electrocution or damaging your appliances, it’s time to drain all the water from your lines. Go outside and turn on all of your outdoor spigots and hoses. This will help your insurance claim and may make the plumber’s job a little easier. It might also prevent water damage and mold growth in your home.
5. Take Photos of Everything
You will need to clean up your home to the best of your ability, but first, take photos of the damage and document everything that you can. This will include photos of leaking or burst pipes, areas that have been flooded, and walls, floors, and ceilings that have sustained water damage. Take photos of any of your belongings that have been damaged as well. You’ll need all of this evidence when you file an insurance claim, but it might help your plumber as well.
6. Remove Excess Water
You’ll likely have a lot of standing water in a plumbing emergency. You might not be able to get rid of all of it, but do the best you can while you wait for a plumber to arrive. Water can damage your floors, walls, and even your ceiling if your plumbing disaster occurred on an upper floor. Use thick towels and mops to soak up standing water, open your doors and windows to get as much air flowing through the space as possible, and use fans to dry out wet surfaces. The sooner you remove excess water, the less likely you are to see water damage or mold growth.
Call We Care Plumbing, Heating, & Air for Assistance
You can’t afford to wait for long if you have a plumbing emergency in your home. These steps will make things a little easier and they are important, but there is only so much that you can do on your own. Fortunately, We Care Plumbing, Heating, & Air is there to help you when you need it.
We have provided excellent plumbing services to customers in Southern California for over 20 years. Our company has become known as the premier residential and commercial plumbing and HVAC company in the area during that time. Our plumbing services are available 24/7, so don’t hesitate to call us if you have a plumbing emergency.
No matter what your plumbing needs may be, our team of plumbers will be there to assist you. To learn more about our plumbing services or if you need an emergency plumber for your home, contact We Care Plumbing, Heating, & Air at our Temecula, Murrieta, Orange, or San Marcos offices. Our staff will be happy to answer your questions and provide you any plumbing repair services that you might need.
