Residential plumbing transports water throughout your home and carries waste away. As the system wears, it may need repair and, in some cases, a failure may need emergency service. Use this guide to find out what to expect with emergency plumbing service, including what constitutes an emergency, common emergency services, and how to prepare for your plumber.
What Is a Plumbing Emergency?
Any time there’s a problem with your plumbing it may seem like an emergency. However, you don’t want the extra fees that come with emergency service for every repair. A true emergency has at least one of these characteristics:
- It poses an immediate safety risk
- There is uncontrolled water you can’t turn off
- You need to use the appliance or fixture right away
- There is uncontrolled sewage entering your home
Common Emergency Services
Thankfully, not all plumbing needs to be handled as an emergency. Consider these services that may require emergency service, depending on what’s happening.
Burst Pipes
A burst pipe is often handled as a plumbing emergency because of how much water it’ll release. If you can isolate the pipe but still have water where you need it, you don’t have to seek emergency service.
Faulty Shut Off or Angle Valve
A faulty shutoff valve may not constitute an emergency every time. However, most people discover the valve isn’t working properly when there’s a more substantial problem. The two issues combined can very well constitute a plumbing emergency. Be sure to tell the plumber if your valve isn’t working properly so that they can tackle both problems together, saving on a repeat service call.
Faulty Sump Pump
Sump pumps are an important appliance to prevent flooding in your basement. If you notice it’s not working and there’s decent weather, you can handle this on a scheduled basis. However, if significant weather is forecasted, this becomes an emergency repair to ensure it’s ready to prevent possible flooding.
Water Heater Malfunction
Not all water heater issues are an emergency. However, if your water heater is bulging from the pressure inside or is spewing hot water, you need immediate service. Likewise, if you can’t wait for a few days for the repair it may also be handled as an emergency.
Preparing for Emergency Plumbing Service
When you have a plumbing emergency, there’s some work to be sure you’re ready for when the plumber arrives. Be sure to follow each step carefully to be ready for the plumber and protect your home, family and wallet.
Mind Safety
The first step is to ensure everyone and your home is safe following the plumbing emergency. Ensure that the water isn’t going to encounter any electrical, and if you’re concerned it is, turn off the power at the breakers. Also, keep children and pets away from the area, especially if there’s any sewage from the plumbing situation.
Document the Problem
If you can do so without causing exceptional damage to your home, try to document the issue. This is going to be especially important if you plan to file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance provider. If the problem is too substantial, do what you must to prevent it from cascading, and then document it with pictures and video if at all possible.
Shut-off Water Supply
If the problem is with your water supply somewhere, turn off the supply valve feeding the area. If you don’t see a shut-off valve nearby, go to the master supply valve for the house and close it, and then you can look for another valve closer to the problem if you have time. The key is to get the water shut off to prevent continued water leaking and additional damage.
Clean Up and Clear the Area
Finally, clean up what you can from the problem. If you’ve had a sewage problem, be sure to wear proper protective equipment to prevent exposure that could make you ill. Start to clear the area once you’ve cleaned up what you can. Remember, the plumber needs plenty of room to work, so move furniture, boxes, or anything else around the area so that they have ample space. If the problem is under a sink, clear out everything under the sink and set it aside.
Affinity Plumbing and Water Conditioning has been the plumbing service provider of choice around Shakopee since 2013. Our highly rated team provides up-front prices for plumbing repair, leak detection, water conditioning solutions and plumbing fixtures, garbage disposal, water heater and sump pump installation and repair. Call our team with all of your plumbing repair needs, including those requiring same-day service.
