Plumbing emergencies never happen at a convenient time. Even if you’ve got the time, an overflowing toilet isn’t how you want to spend it. Often going unnoticed, plumbing issues are rarely caught before they escalate. For many, they are simply out of sight and out of mind until the situation gets worse.
Chances are, you found this article through a simple search of “emergency plumbers near me.” Being proactive when a plumbing emergency strikes will help you and the licensed plumber that you work with quickly resolve the problem.
To schedule an emergency plumber today, call Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating at 469-240-5618.
Read on for more information about how to handle a plumbing emergency.
What to Do in a Plumbing Emergency
The very first thing that you should do in a plumbing emergency is to not panic. Even in the most severe plumbing emergencies, it is important to stay calm and find solutions. The troubleshooting steps below will give you a good starting point. Of course, if you are looking at an overflowing toilet, backed up tub or backwater in your sink: call for emergency plumbing services.
1. Turn Off the Water
Water leaks can result in serious issues such as flood damage, mold growth and foundation issues. It is important that once a leak or burst pipe is noticed, that the water is immediately turned off to avoid further damage.
Think of your plumbing as a tree, with the main line as the trunk and the different pipes, toilets, sinks and drains as the different branches. It is important to understand how your plumbing works to know the different access points and where to find the shut off valves.
If the leak is coming from your sink or toilet, there will be a local shut off valve located under or behind the appliance. For sinks, you may notice that there are two. These will control the hot and cold water individually.
If the leak persists once these are shut off, you will need to find the main water valve that shuts the water off for the entire house. For most properties, this will be near the street or alley where the city water lines meet your home lines. Depending on the home, it may also be located in a garage or crawl space.
Because these valves are not regularly used, there may be dirt or debris that needs to be removed. You may also want to use a pair of pliers to help if the valve still seems stuck. An easy way to remember if the valve is open is that the handle will line up with the pipe. When the handle is perpendicular to the pipe, the valve is closed.
2. Assess the Situation
Your next thought will naturally be to look up plumbers in your area, but it is important to assess the situation before making any phone calls. This will help you determine if the issue is a plumbing emergency. It will also allow you to provide critical details to the plumbing company so that the contractor can quickly diagnose and resolve the issue.
Homeowners don’t need to be plumbing experts to assess the severity of a plumbing issue. Think back to the plumbing tree referenced earlier. Where is the leak located? Is it local or is the entire house affected?
If the leak is isolated to a spare bathroom—where you can successfully turn off the water and avoid further damage—scheduling an emergency plumber may not be needed. This will save you money and allow you to book the plumber at a more convenient time.
For burst pipes or issues that require you to shut off water to the entire home, an emergency call will be needed. Your daily home functions will need to continue, such as cooking, cleaning and using the bathroom. Without the ability to use the water lines, your daily life is disrupted.
3. Clean Up the Area
Depending on the plumbing emergency, your next step should be to clean up the affected area. Cleaning will minimize any potential damage. It will also ensure the area is safe for your family. Obviously only do this in an emergency after the plumbing contractor is dispatched to help.
For emergencies that are caused by water, the most important thing is to dry the area and any affected surfaces as quickly as possible. Drywall and flooring are particularly sensitive to water. Failure to remove moisture can lead to larger plumbing repairs
. Placing a fan in confined areas will help circulate air and dry any moisture.
Sewage backup poses a biohazard concern and should be approached with caution. Wear protective gear, such as a mask and rubber gloves. Once debris and water are removed, make sure that you use a commercial grade disinfectant or bleach to thoroughly sanitize the area. If the sewage is in your yard, remove all objects. Prevent pets from going to that area until the emergency is resolved.
4. Avoid Do-It-Yourself Repairs
Despite a never ending supply of DIY YouTube videos, you should avoid DIY when it comes to plumbing issues like this. From additional flood damage to serious injury, there are a number of risks associated with a DIY approach.
Finding a Plumber – Duncanville, TX
Remain calm and follow a procedure when a plumbing issue pops up. Have a trusted team to back you up for all your plumbing needs, whether plumbing maintenance or emergency. Avoid a situation where you’re panic searching through the results from a “emergency plumber near me” search. Work with the team that Duncanville knows and trusts.
Dial One Johnson is the #1 choice for homeowners in search of plumbing maintenance and repair in Duncanville, Texas. Our team has been serving the residents of Dallas County and the greater Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex for over 50 years. With offices in Midlothian and Cedar Hill, and 24-hour service options, you can count on our team of professional, licensed plumbers to get the job done right the first time. Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment.
To learn more, contact us online or at 469-240-5618.
Author Bio:
Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating is now owned and operated by Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock, with his grandson, Daniel Johnson, a third-generation plumber who is also the Service Manager.