Plumbing issues stink—but plumbing emergencies can put you and your loved ones in a real pickle. Major leaks and sewage backups can damage your home, lead to costly repairs, and put your household at risk if not addressed right away.
Luckily, Hutchinson offers 24-hour emergency services to handle plumbing problems that just can’t wait.
What is a Plumbing Emergency?
Plumbing emergencies can be disastrous; but how do you know when you have a real emergency on your hands?
Emergencies can range from minor to major. Some examples of plumbing emergencies include flooding, burst pipes, sewage leaks, and dangerous gas leaks. Other emergencies like a lack of water or functioning toilets also warrant a call to your local plumber.
How To Handle A Plumbing Emergency Situation
If you find yourself dealing with a plumbing emergency, there are certain steps you can take to ensure the safety of you and your household.
Follow these nine steps when handling a plumbing emergency.
1. Turn off Water Supply at the Shutoff Valve
The first thing you need to do in nearly any plumbing emergency is to shut off your water supply. This will help prevent any water damage.
2. Turn Off Your Hot Water System
You should also turn your hot water system off in the event of a serious plumbing emergency. Make sure your water heater is turned off in addition to shutting off your main water valve. If you leave your water heater on, your unit will be at risk of overheating or bursting.
3. Call a Plumber
Now that your water supply is shut off, your next step is to call a plumber. Don’t make the mistake of waiting. The sooner you contact one of Hutchinson’s emergency plumbers, the sooner we can fix your plumbing problem.
4. Address Small, Identifiable Leaks
If you’re dealing with a smaller leak, you can turn off the water supply to that specific pipe. Use towels or pipe tape to patch and block the leak as best you can while you wait for a plumber to arrive.
5. Soak up Leaks or Minor Floods
Use towels, rags, and heavy-duty paper towels to soak up any excess water. Water can lead to mold growth, destroyed carpet, and drywall damage. Do what you can to soak up leaks or minor floods as you wait for your plumber.
6. Avoid Harmful Chemicals
Store-bought drain cleaners may be a quick fix, but they’re a temporary solution that can actually damage your pipes. Instead, you should let a professional plumber inspect your pipes. This way, you’ll save your drains, and your plumber can provide you with a resolution to prevent any future issues.
7. Clear the Area
As you wait, you can clear the area to ensure that your plumber has easy access to the issue. This is also a great time to move any pets into a safe and secure area.
8. Wait for Your Emergency Plumber
After you have turned your water supply off, identified the problem area, and cleaned up any excess water, your last step is to simply wait.
9. Don’t Attempt DIY Repair
It’s never recommended to fix plumbing issues yourself. Even if you have prior plumbing knowledge, it’s best to leave emergency issues to the experts.
Call Hutchinson’s Expert Plumbers in Any Plumbing Emergency
Emergency plumbing issues can be alarming—but there’s no reason to worry when Hutchinson is a phone call away. Hutchinson’s team of professional plumbing experts is on call 24 hours a day to address those pressing plumbing problems that can’t wait.
From extreme leaks to sewage backup, our technicians will provide top-quality service no matter the time of day. Don’t wait—call us at 1-856-208-5993 now.