What to Do During a Plumbing Emergency

Plumbing emergencies can spring up at any time due to complex plumbing systems that need to work together cohesively to avoid leaks, clogs, and backups. If a pipe freezes and bursts, you suddenly have a big problem that needs the immediate attention of local emergency plumbers.

Not all plumbers offer emergency services and some only work a traditional 9 to 5 schedule. Our 24-hour emergency plumbers in Brooklyn have your back and are ready to take action. While you wait for service, there are a few things you can do to help get on top of the plumbing emergency and reduce the damage.

Step 1: Turn Off Your Main Water Supply

Turn off the main water supply to your home. The water supply to the house has a shut off valve outside the house. You may be thinking, “What main shut-off valve?” That’s where Petri Plumbing & Heating, your local neighborhood Brooklyn plumber, can help. Our free emergency valve tagging service will ensure that each valve is labeled in your home, making it easier for you to find the right one in an emergency.

If you already know where your valves are, you’ll need a pipe wrench in order to turn the valve off. As soon as the water is turned off, the water will stop running into the house. Mop up excessive amounts of water that is on the floor or walls.

Step 2: Deal with the Issue (even if it’s temporary!)

Overflowing Toilet

Do you have an overflowing toilet? If you flush and your toilet begins to overflow, locate its own water shut off valve. This should be underneath the tank and by turning it clockwise, you’ll stop the flow of water to the toilet.

Water Underneath Your Sink

Is water coming from underneath your sink? A leaking kitchen sink can cause a number of damages, so it’s important to act fast. Underneath will be two valves that control the flow of hot and cold water–make sure to turn both of these off–not just one. If the sink is still leaking, you may have to shut off your house’s main water supply before calling a professional plumber.

Standing Water In Your Tub

Do you have standing water in your tub? If you find dirty, standing water in your tub, you likely have a backed up or clogged drainpipe. Check to see if the tub itself is clogged and if it is, call a professional plumber and don’t flush the toilet.

Rushing Water Noises

The sound of rushing water noises is usually an indication of a burst pipe. These tend to happen during the winter time and if they do, you need to shut off your water supply quickly.

Leaks from Ceilings and Walls

Place a bucket or pan under small leaks. Many times, there are small leaks under the kitchen sinks or bathroom pipes. Put a pot or bucket under the leak to catch the dripping water and dry up water sitting on the base of the cabinet.

Step 3: Call a Reputable Emergency Plumber

Ideally your regular plumber also offers emergency service. If not, it’s wise to schedule your next service with a plumbing company that also offers emergency service. You can ask them about their policies, how fast they respond, and assess their work. When an emergency arises, you’ll already feel comfortable calling for service and have peace of mind knowing what to expect.

From burst pipes to overflowing toilets and general leaks, a plumbing emergency can happen at any time. There will be moments when the only solution is professional plumbing help, but you can decrease damages by practicing safe plumbing habits.

Step 4: Clean Up

Once a leak has been stopped, there are steps that can be taken to minimize further damage to your home:

• Remove any wet or damaged items from the areas affected by the burst pipe
• Removing any standing water with a wet-dry vacuum or a sump pump/ejector pump to prevent the growth of mold and mildew
• Use a dehumidifier and fans to circulate air to speed up the drying process

Step 5: Prevent Future Plumbing Emergencies

Plumbing emergencies can happen anytime, but there are some preventative measures you can take before a plumbing emergency arises in your home:

• Inspect your drains, inside and outside the home
• Locate all water supply lines in unheated areas
• Insulate your water pipes (A green measure that lowers your energy bill)
• Look for water leaks
• Use drain strainers in the garbage disposal
• Be conscientious about what you flush
• During freezing temperatures, leave water dripping and cabinets open
• Drain water from sprinkler supply lines, hoses and swimming pools
• Inspect your hot water heater for efficiency

Give Petri’s Brooklyn Emergency Plumbers a Call

Always contact a plumber to repair issues such as busted water pipes, leaks under the cabinets or frozen pipes outside. There are requirements for pipes and ways to insert these pipes. A licensed local plumber will know all of the regulations that your particular city has in place.

Even small leaks are a cause of concern. If left untreated, a small leak can increase your household water consumption by 14 percent and cause increasing amounts of damage to your home. If you’re dealing with a plumbing emergency, don’t panic, act quickly, and have a professional plumber who you can trust on call. Petri Plumbing offers Brooklyn and Manhattan emergency plumbing assistance for all types of issues, so make sure to save 718-748-1254 in your phone today! We’re here to help!