Plumbing Emergencies: What to Do Before the Plumber Arrives

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man trying to fix a sink with water spraying in his face while a woman is on the phone calling for help
September 29, 2023

Plumbing Emergencies: What to Do Before the Plumber Arrives

Whether it’s a clogged toilet, a leaky faucet, or even a burst pipe, plumbing emergencies never happen at a convenient time. It is critical you know what to do before you have water in places it shouldn’t be. 

Let us guide you through what to do before our expert plumbers arrive at your doorstep. Because when it comes to plumbing mishaps, there’s no job too big or small for the team of professionals here at Small Jobs Plumbing, Inc.! Let’s dive in and tackle these emergencies head-on.

What Are Plumbing Emergencies?

Plumbing emergencies can happen at any time, and they often catch us off guard. But what exactly qualifies as a plumbing emergency? Well, simply put, it’s any sudden or unexpected issue with your plumbing system that requires immediate attention to prevent further damage or inconvenience.

  • One common example of a plumbing emergency is a clogged toilet. We’ve all been there – you flush the toilet and instead of going down smoothly, the water starts rising ominously towards the rim. In situations like these, it’s important not to panic. Before calling your trusted plumber, you can try using a plunger to dislodge the blockage gently.
  • Another typical plumbing emergency is a leaky faucet. A constant drip may seem insignificant, but over time it can waste gallons of water and even lead to more significant issues such as mold growth or damaged pipes. To temporarily stop the leak until help arrives, turn off the main water supply valve under your sink.
  • Perhaps one of the most alarming emergencies is a burst pipe. This can cause severe flooding in your home within minutes if left unattended. In this situation, finding and shutting off your main water valve immediately should be your top priority before contacting your plumber for assistance.

Preventing Plumbing Emergencies

While some plumbing emergencies are unavoidable accidents waiting to happen due to old infrastructure or extreme weather conditions, others can be prevented by taking simple precautions. Regularly inspecting pipes for signs of wear and tear, avoiding flushing foreign objects down toilets or sinks, and ensuring proper insulation during freezing temperatures are just some preventive measures homeowners can take.

Remember that after you’ve given Small Jobs Plumbing Inc. a buzz, our experienced plumbers will arrive promptly equipped with specialized tools and knowledge necessary to handle any type of plumbing emergency effectively – no job is too big for us! So rest assured knowing that professional help is on its way when you need it most.

What to Do If You Have a Clogged Toilet

Dealing with a clogged toilet can be quite an unpleasant experience. But fear not, there are some steps you can take to try and resolve the issue before the plumber arrives.

It’s important not to panic. Take a deep breath and assess the situation calmly. Next, grab your trusty hand auger – this is often the most effective tool for unclogging toilets. Place it down into the toilet and turn the handle so it can break up anything it encounters. This should help dislodge any stubborn blockages.

In case that does not work, then make sure to turn the water off at the toilet and try and stop any water from leaking out of the toilet onto the floor. If there is already water on the floor, place a blanket or towels in the water to start to wick it up.

If you’re left with a stubborn clog because the auger didn’t work, give Small Jobs Plumbing, Inc. a buzz and let our experienced plumbers assist you in resolving any plumbing emergency – no job is too big!

What to Do If You Have a Leaky Faucet

Leaky faucets can be quite a nuisance, not to mention the constant dripping sound that can drive anyone crazy. If you find yourself dealing with a leaky faucet before the plumber arrives, there are a few things you can do to minimize any potential damage.

  • First and foremost, turn off the water supply to the leaking faucet. This will help prevent further leakage and save water in the process. Most faucets will have a shut-off valve located underneath the sink or right next to the plumbing pipes. Turn these clockwise until they are completely closed.
  • Next, you can try to carefully tighten any loose nuts or connections around the leaking area. Sometimes, a simple tightening can fix minor leaks.
  • If tightening doesn’t solve the issue, try placing a bucket or container under the faucet to catch any dripping water. This will help prevent water damage to your floors or cabinets while you wait for professional assistance. It also reduces wasted water, as you can use the caught water for your plants or pets.
  • In some cases, it may be necessary to temporarily seal the leak using plumber’s tape or pipe sealant. These temporary fixes should only be used until a professional plumber arrives but can provide some relief in preventing further leakage.

Remember, tackling major plumbing issues on your own without proper expertise can potentially worsen the problem. It’s always best to call in experienced plumbers like Small Jobs Plumbing Inc., who have knowledge and skills specifically tailored for fixing leaky faucets effectively and efficiently.

What to Do If You Have a Burst Pipe

A burst pipe can be a major plumbing emergency, causing significant damage to your home if not dealt with quickly. Here are some steps you can take before the plumber arrives.

  • First and foremost, turn off the main water supply to prevent further flooding. Locate the shut-off valve near your water meter or where the main line enters your home. It’s important to know its location beforehand so you can act promptly in such emergencies.
  • Next, open all faucets in your house to drain any remaining water from the pipes. This will help minimize potential damage and relieve pressure on the system.
  • If there is standing water, use buckets or towels to soak it up and remove as much moisture as possible. Consider using a wet vacuum cleaner for larger amounts of water.

Once you’ve taken these initial steps, contact Small Jobs Plumbing, Inc. right away. We have the expertise and equipment necessary to repair or replace the burst pipe efficiently.

Remember that dealing with a burst pipe requires immediate action and should never be attempted as a DIY project unless you have proper plumbing knowledge and experience. Stay calm during this stressful situation; by following these steps and relying on professional help, you’ll minimize damage and get your plumbing back in working order soon.

How to Prevent Plumbing Emergencies

Preventing plumbing emergencies is essential to avoid costly repairs and inconvenience. Here are some simple steps you can take to keep your plumbing system in top shape.

  1. Regular Plumbing Maintenance: Schedule regular inspections with a professional plumber to detect any potential issues before they become major problems. They can identify leaks, clogs, or worn-out pipes that could cause emergencies down the line.
  2. Be Mindful of Everything That Goes Down Your Drains: Never flush anything that is not toilet paper down the toilet, and always dispose of fats, oils, and grease properly instead of pouring them down the kitchen sink. These items can lead to clogs and blockages.
  3. Keep an Eye on Water Pressure: High water pressure can put stress on your pipes and increase the chances of bursts or leaks occurring. Consider installing a pressure regulator to maintain optimal pressure levels.
  4. Keep Pipes Warm: Even though we do not get below-freezing temperatures often, it is important to keep pipes warm when those cold snaps do happen. Frozen pipes can lead to extensive amounts of damage.
  5. Properly Maintain Your Water Heater: Regularly drain your water heater tank as sediment buildup can lead to decreased efficiency and even damage over time.

By following these preventative measures, you’ll minimize the risk of unexpected plumbing emergencies in your home – saving yourself both time and money in the long run!

What Should You Do After the Plumber Arrives?

After you’ve called us here at Small Jobs Plumbing, Inc. and our expert plumbers have arrived to tackle your plumbing emergency, there are a few important things you should do to ensure the process goes smoothly.

Make sure you give our plumber all the necessary information about the issue. Be as detailed as possible about what led up to the problem and any steps you may have taken before their arrival. This will help them understand the situation better and find a solution more efficiently.

Next, it’s crucial that you let the plumber do their job without interruption or interference. While it might be tempting to hover around or offer suggestions, trust in their expertise, and allow them to assess and fix the issue without distractions.

If there are any pets or children in your home, keep them away from the work area for their safety as well as to avoid any potential hindrance to our plumbers’ work.

Once our plumber has completed their work and resolved your plumbing emergency, take some time to ask any questions you had, if needed. They can provide valuable advice on how to prevent similar issues in the future or offer maintenance tips for keeping your plumbing system running smoothly.

Remember – we’re here not only during emergencies but also for all your plumbing needs! Contact Small Jobs Plumbing, Inc. – your sewer rooter specialists.

For Any Type of Plumbing Emergency, Contact the Experienced Plumbers at Small Jobs Plumbing, Inc. – No Job is Too Big

In times of plumbing emergencies, quick action is essential to prevent further damage and inconvenience. Whether you have a clogged toilet, a leaky faucet, or even a burst pipe, it’s important to know what steps to take before the plumber arrives.

While knowing how to handle these emergencies is important, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to plumbing issues. Regular maintenance checks by professionals like us at Small Jobs Plumbing can help identify potential problems before they escalate into emergencies.

Once you’ve called us here at Small Jobs Plumbing Inc., there are still some actions you can take while waiting for our arrival:

  • Clear any items away from areas affected by leaks or bursts.
  • Place buckets or towels strategically around leaking pipes or fixtures.
  • Turn off electrical sources near flooded areas.
  • Take photos or videos of the damage for insurance purposes.

For any type of plumbing emergency, you can trust Small Jobs Plumbing Inc. to get the job done right. We have years of experience dealing with plumbing emergencies and offer quick and reliable services at competitive rates. Contact us now for all your plumbing needs!

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