Plumbing emergencies can happen without warning. A burst pipe, overflowing toilet, major leak, sewer backup, or failed water heater can quickly cause water damage and disrupt your home.
Knowing what to do during those first few minutes can make a significant difference. The priority is to protect your family, stop the flow of water when it is safe to do so, and get professional help.
Here are the steps to take when you’re faced with a plumbing emergency.
Not every plumbing problem requires immediate emergency attention. A slowly dripping faucet, for example, should be repaired but usually doesn’t require the same response as water pouring from a broken pipe.
Situations that may require immediate attention include:
If water is spreading through your home or the situation could create an electrical or other safety hazard, address the problem immediately.
For an active leak, one of the most important steps is stopping the flow of water.
If the problem involves a specific fixture, look for a nearby shutoff valve. Toilets and many sinks have individual valves that allow you to stop the water without shutting down the entire house.
For a burst pipe or major leak that cannot be isolated, you may need to shut off your home’s main water supply.
Every homeowner should know where the main shutoff valve is before an emergency occurs. Taking a few minutes to locate it now can save valuable time when water is actively leaking.
If you cannot safely locate or operate the valve, contact a professional plumber for assistance.
Water and electricity can create a dangerous combination.
If leaking water is near electrical outlets, appliances, your electrical panel, or other energized equipment, stay away from the affected area.
Do not enter standing water when electrical equipment could be energized. If necessary, contact the appropriate emergency or electrical professional before entering the area.
Your safety should always come before protecting the property.
A burst pipe can release a large amount of water in a short period of time.
If you suspect a pipe has burst:
Don’t turn the main water supply back on until the damaged plumbing has been evaluated and repaired.
If a toilet begins overflowing, stop flushing it.
If water continues entering the bowl, locate the toilet’s shutoff valve—usually found on the wall or floor behind the toilet—and turn it clockwise to stop the incoming water.
An overflowing toilet may result from a localized clog or a larger drainage problem. If plunging doesn’t correct a simple clog, or if multiple fixtures are backing up, you may need professional drain cleaning to determine what’s causing the blockage.
Water around your water heater should be investigated promptly.
The problem could be a leaking connection, valve, or another replaceable component. However, water coming directly from a corroded tank can indicate that the water heater needs to be replaced.
If the leak is substantial, shut off the water supply to the heater if you can safely do so.
Because water heaters may involve electricity or gas in addition to hot water, avoid attempting repairs you’re not comfortable performing. Ehret can diagnose problems with a leaking water heater and determine whether repair or replacement is appropriate.
A sump pump failure can quickly become an emergency during heavy rain or when groundwater levels are high.
If the pump isn’t operating and water is rising in the sump pit, check for an obvious power problem only if it is safe to do so. Avoid handling electrical equipment around standing water.
Homeowners who rely on a sump pump should also consider a sump pump and battery backup system to provide additional protection when the primary pump fails or power is lost.
One slow drain isn’t usually an emergency. Several drains backing up at the same time, however, may indicate a more significant problem within the drainage or sewer system.
Warning signs can include:
Avoid repeatedly using plumbing fixtures when wastewater is backing up. Continuing to send water into the drainage system may make the problem worse.
During an emergency, it’s tempting to improvise a repair so you can turn the water back on.
Temporary measures may sometimes help contain water while you’re waiting for assistance, but they shouldn’t be treated as permanent plumbing repairs.
Avoid taking apart plumbing components or using chemical drain cleaners when you don’t know what’s causing the problem. An incorrect repair can make professional repairs more difficult or result in additional damage.
Stopping the water and containing the damage is generally more important than attempting to repair an unfamiliar plumbing problem yourself.
A little preparation can make plumbing problems easier to manage.
Homeowners should:
Regular home plumbing service and maintenance can also help identify aging components and developing problems before they result in an emergency.
When water is actively leaking into your home, acting quickly can help limit the damage. Shut off the appropriate water supply when it is safe, avoid electrical hazards, and don’t attempt repairs beyond your experience.
Ehret Inc. provides professional plumbing services throughout Belleville, IL and the surrounding Metro East communities. Whether you’re dealing with a broken pipe, clogged drain, leaking water heater, sump pump problem, or another plumbing issue, our experienced team can diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate repair.
Need a plumber? Request plumbing service from Ehret Inc. or call (618) 233-1018.
