Key takeaways:
- Don’t let a plumbing emergency overwhelm you. While waiting for the plumber, turn off the water and electricity for safety.
- Next, remove your belongings from the area and get started with the cleaning process.
- Call Airstream for emergency plumbing services.
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When plumbing disasters strike, every second counts; calling an emergency plumber should be the first thing you do.
While you wait for help, you can take a few steps to limit the extent of the damage.
Don’t panic! Following a few emergency plumbing tips could save your home and save you money on repairs.
Shut Off the Water Supply
Leaking water can quickly flood an entire room, damaging the floor, walls, furniture, and appliances. Even after mopping up the mess and drying the room, you might have to deal with humidity and mold issues afterward.
The more water you let build up, the worse things will get. Your first action should be to shut off the water supply.
You can turn off the water at the fixture level:
- Check inside the sink cabinet to shut off the water to leaking sink.
- If you’re having problems with your shower, look for a utility panel in your bathroom. The shut-off valve should be inside.
- To turn the water off to an overflowing toilet, look for the small valve on the pipe that runs from the floor to the tank.
If the fixture shut-off valve is hard to reach or you suspect broader plumbing damage, it is safer to turn off the water to your entire home.
You can do this by locating your main water shut-off valve, typically in a basement or crawl space or near your water heater. It might also be outdoors, near your water meter or well.
If you can’t find your main shut-off valve, ask your emergency plumber to help you locate it when you call.
Turn Off Electrical Appliances
Water is conductive, meaning it carries electricity. If it gets into electrical appliances or outlets, it can cause dangerous short circuits. This creates a major shocking hazard for you (and for the plumber who will fix the issue). Besides conducting current, standing water can cause costly damage to electrical elements, forcing you to replace appliances, electrical wiring, or outlets.
To be safe, shut off the electricity supply to your home:
- Open your electrical panel and look for the main breaker. Switch it to the off position until the plumber gets here.
- If you have an older home with a fuse box, there is a main fuse you can pull out to the off position.
If an appliance or outlet is in direct contact with standing water from a plumbing leak, you should know that the water might be electrified. Don’t attempt to clean up or touch the appliance until you cut off the power.
Contain the Leak
Now that you have cut off the water and electricity, you can focus on limiting water damage. Acting fast can save your floor, subfloor, drywall, and belongings.
If you’re dealing with a small leak, placing a bucket under the pipe or fixture should do the trick. Alternatively, you can try wrapping a leaking pipe with some tape.
For larger leaks, you can use a towel or mop to absorb the excess water. Starting at the edges of the wet area and working your way inwards will prevent the water from spreading any further.
Pro tip: If you have a dry vacuum on hand, now is the time to use it!
Once you have removed the water, dry and disinfect the area as best you can. If drywall absorbs water, you’ll have to dry the area with fans and dehumidifiers, potentially replacing some of the damaged drywall.
If you’re dealing with a sewage backup or dirty water, wear gloves and other protective equipment to be on the safe side.
Clear the Area
Remove belongings from the area with the plumbing problem to limit damage and so your emergency plumber can easily reach the pipe or plumbing fixture that requires attention.
Get your furniture, rugs, electronics, appliances, and other belongings out of the way. If something is too heavy to move, protect it from the water by raising it on wooden blocks or placing a layer of aluminum foil under it.
You can wipe and disinfect non-porous items before placing them in a different room. If porous items get exposed to water, they’ll have to go in the washer or possibly to a dry-cleaning service.
Document the Water Damage
Your homeowner’s insurance will likely cover the damage from your plumbing emergency if it’s sudden and accidental (which is something a local plumber can help you determine – a good example would be a plumbing pipe that freezes and bursts). You might get additional coverage under a home warranty or appliance repair plan.
To submit a claim, you’ll need to document what happened. Before cleaning or moving anything away from the area affected by the plumbing emergency, take a few pictures with your phone.
Take more pictures as you clean up to show the extent of the damage. Don’t forget to write down the time of the plumbing emergency and anything unusual you noticed with your plumbing system. This information can help you trace what happened and support your claim.
Fast Emergency Plumbing in Franklin, TN
Dealing with a plumbing emergency is stressful, and it’s easy to let the situation overwhelm you. Remember these tips to stay safe and reduce the damage as much as possible while waiting for an emergency plumber.
Airstream offers trusted plumbing services in the Franklin area. If you have a plumbing emergency, fill out this form, and we’ll dispatch someone quickly.
FAQ
What counts as a plumbing emergency?
An emergency is a plumbing issue that poses a danger to you or that could damage your home. Common plumbing emergencies include major leaks, burst pipes, broken water heaters, and sewage backups.
How much do local plumbers charge for emergency calls?
It depends, but you should spend at least $150 per hour. Additional fees can apply after business hours.
How can I prevent plumbing emergencies?
Protecting your pipes from cold winter weather and keeping up with plumbing repairs and maintenance can prevent future emergencies.
Is it safe to clean up water from a plumbing leak?
Generally, yes. However, turn off the electricity first if an outlet or appliance is nearby, and wear PPE if you’re cleaning up dirty water.
