What to Do in a Plumbing Emergency

In a plumbing emergency, contact a professional plumber right away. While you wait for your plumber to arrive, follow these tips:

SHUT THE WATER OFF.

The first step in a plumbing emergency is to turn off the nearest water source as quickly as possible. If only one appliance is creating a problem, shut that fixture off first. For leaking pipes or other large emergencies, you will need to turn off your home's main water valve. Turn each valve clockwise to shut it off.

TURN OFF YOUR WATER HEATER.

After the main water valve is turned off, make sure to turn off your water heater. Turning the water heater off prevents heat from increasing inside the unit, which creates the risk of it overheating. Always turn off the gas first if you have a gas water heater.  

OPEN OUTSIDE SPIGOTS.

Water will remain in your pipes after the main water valve has been shut off. Turning on your outside spigots will drain the pipes and direct the excess water away from your home.

TRY TO MINIMIZE WATER DAMAGE.

If you can identify a small leak, try to stop it as best you can. Use rags or towels around pipes. If you can't stop a leak, place a bucket underneath the leak to prevent further water damage to your home.

If you're experiencing a plumbing emergency, contact us today. Our team is available to answer any questions you may have.

-A R Engh Team