The term “plumbing emergency” can be subjective, as the sense of urgency ultimately depends on your knowledge of your plumbing system and how vulnerable your home is to water damage. Most people would consider a plumbing emergency to be any plumbing issue that puts you or your home at risk for unsafe or unsanitary situations.
Any plumbing problem can add extra stress to your day, but when it interrupts your routine or becomes a safety hazard, it’s time to call a professional emergency plumber.
Common Plumbing Emergencies
There’s a wide range of plumbing issues that could be considered a plumbing emergency, but we’ve listed just some of the most common below.
- Burst Pipes: A burst water pipe can lead to rapid flooding in minutes, which can cause significant and costly water damage.
- Frozen Pipes: Although Arizona and Nevada experience warm weather most of the year, that doesn’t mean pipes still can’t freeze when the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Water and Gas Leaks: These leaks can occur in pipes, faucets, fixtures, and appliances. Leaks that go unnoticed can cause serious damage over time. A gas leak can become deadly if not noticed in time and requires immediate emergency plumbing services.
- Clogged Drains: Blockages in sinks, toilets, or showers can prevent proper drainage, causing unnecessary backups and overflows. It’s best to clean your drains before the issue gets worse.
- Sewer Backup: Sewer backups can occur when drain clogs block the flow of drainage, posing serious health risks and the possibility of water contamination.
- Sudden Low Water Pressure: If you notice a drastic drop in your home’s water pressure, it can indicate a more serious underlying issue, such as a leak in the pipe or blockage.
Without immediate attention, these problems can worsen into more severe consequences, such as foundation issues, water damage, mold and mildew growth, pest infestation, and malfunctioning HVAC equipment. Therefore, call an emergency plumber if you notice any of the above plumbing issues.
What to Do in a Plumbing Emergency
Whether you try to handle the issue yourself or choose to call a plumbing professional, these reminders of what to do in a plumbing emergency will help ease the situation.
- Shut Off Water Supply: In a plumbing emergency, it’s essential to locate and turn off the shut-off valve to stop the flow of water, even before calling a plumber. These valves can be located near water meters, in basements and crawl spaces, or outside of the house.
- Contact a Local Emergency Plumber: Call an emergency plumber immediately and explain the severity of the situation so they can be on their way while you mitigate damage.
- Address Electrical Hazards: If there are any signs of leaking near electrical appliances or outlets, turn off the electricity using the main circuit breaker to prevent electrocution.
- Clear Area and Contain: Move any furniture or valuables out of the affected area and try to contain the leak or flooding as best you can. Place buckets and towels around the area to help reduce the spread of water.
- Document Damage: Last but not least, taking pictures and videos of the damage caused is essential during a plumbing emergency. The evidence can help with insurance claims and repairs.
What to Do in a Plumbing Emergency
Whether you try to handle the issue yourself or choose to call a plumbing professional, these reminders of what to do in a plumbing emergency will help ease the situation.
- Shut Off Water Supply: In a plumbing emergency, it’s essential to locate and turn off the shut-off valve to stop the flow of water, even before calling a plumber. These valves can be located near water meters, in basements and crawl spaces, or outside of the house.
- Contact a Local Emergency Plumber: Call an emergency plumber immediately and explain the severity of the situation so they can be on their way while you mitigate damage.
- Address Electrical Hazards: If there are any signs of leaking near electrical appliances or outlets, turn off the electricity using the main circuit breaker to prevent electrocution.
- Clear Area and Contain: Move any furniture or valuables out of the affected area and try to contain the leak or flooding as best you can. Place buckets and towels around the area to help reduce the spread of water.
- Document Damage: Last but not least, taking pictures and videos of the damage caused is essential during a plumbing emergency. The evidence can help with insurance claims and repairs.
Being Prepared for Plumbing Emergencies
Plumbing emergencies can happen unexpectedly, causing significant damage and stress if not handled promptly. While it’s impossible to predict when a plumbing issue will occur, being prepared can minimize the impact.
Taking proactive steps and educating yourself about your plumbing system ensures that you and your household are ready to respond quickly and effectively. Here are some essential tips to help you be prepared for any plumbing emergency:
- Install Prevention Devices
- Prepare a Plumbing Emergency Kit
- Be Aware of Warning Signs
- Know What Insurance Can and Can’t Cover
- Create a Maintenance Schedule
- Have a List of Emergency Contacts at Easy Access
By taking these proactive steps, you can be better prepared for plumbing emergencies, minimize potential damage, and ensure the safety of your home and family.
If you have a plumbing emergency at home, don’t fret. Contact Rooter Ranger Plumbing for same-day emergency service. We’re the leading plumbing company in Arizona and Las Vegas, Nevada. If you need plumbing repair, maintenance, installation, or replacement services, we’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Whenever your plumbing system breaks, our plumbers will fix it fast and efficiently.
