Plumbing emergencies have a way of disrupting even the best-planned day. They always seem to happen at the worst times and usually cost more than anticipated. But as a homeowner, you don’t have to sit idle while waiting for the plumber. There are steps you can take to limit the damage and save on repair costs.
Here’s a look at five common plumbing emergencies, their causes, and what you can do before professional help arrives.
Leaks in faucets, showerheads, and toilets are common and can waste a lot of water. While waiting for a plumber, here’s what you can do:
While these quick fixes help reduce water waste and potential damage, a plumber will be needed for a more permanent solution.
A broken water line, especially one inside your walls, can cause major damage quickly. Here’s what you should do:
Turn Off the Main Water Supply: Locate the main shut-off valve (usually near the water meter) and shut off the water to prevent flooding.
Relieve Pressure: Open faucets at the lowest point in your house to drain any remaining water in the pipes and reduce pressure on the damaged line.
Minimize Water Damage: Use towels, buckets, or a wet/dry vacuum to remove any standing water. If you have pipe repair tape or a clamp, you can use it to temporarily stop the leak until help arrives.
Quick action can prevent more serious damage, but you’ll still need a professional plumber to make permanent repairs.
Water heaters are often tucked away out of sight, and a leak can go unnoticed until it causes serious problems. Here’s how to handle it:
Turn Off Power and Water: For electric heaters, flip the circuit breaker. For gas heaters, shut off the gas valve. Then turn off the water supply to prevent more water from entering the tank.
Find the Source of the Leak: Leaks could come from valves or fittings, which you might be able to temporarily tighten with a wrench. If the tank itself is leaking, replacement is likely the only option.
If ignored, a leaking tank could burst, causing major flooding and expensive repairs, so calling a plumber right away is crucial.
Clogged drains and toilets are common household problems. Here’s how to handle them:
Frequent clogs may indicate a bigger issue, so it’s important to get your plumbing system checked out by a professional if the problem persists.
A jammed or clogged garbage disposal can disrupt your kitchen routine. Here’s what to do:
Turn Off the Power: Before attempting any repairs, make sure the disposal is completely off by turning off the switch or flipping the circuit breaker.
Manually Clear the Jam: Using an Allen wrench, you can manually turn the disposal from the bottom to free any stuck debris.
Unclog the Drain: If water isn’t draining, there may be a clog. Carefully remove any visible blockages with tongs, then flush with hot water.
If you can’t clear the jam or the disposal still doesn’t work, a professional plumber can help with a more thorough repair.
The best way to avoid plumbing emergencies is with regular maintenance. Inspect fixtures and pipes for leaks, wear, or corrosion, and schedule routine check-ups with a professional plumber. Installing a water filtration system can also help prevent mineral buildup, while insulating pipes can protect against freezing in colder climates.
At Repipe and Replumb, we bring invaluable repiping expertise to every project. With years of experience in Houston, our commitment to excellent communication, prompt action, accurate estimating, and exceptional service sets us apart. Treat your home plumbing system with the best—call 832-232-1252 for a free, no-obligation evaluation.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
Flexible Scheduling
Repipe Experts Perform All Repipes
5-Star Reviews Across the Internet
Warranty on Workmanship
25-Year Transferable Manufacturer’s Warranty
Affordable Whole House Repipe in 1-2 Days
Uponor (PEX) Certified Company
Family-Owned, Locally Operated in Houston, TX
Free Quotes and Price Comparison on Repipes
Licensed and Fully Insured
Interest-Free Financing Available
Don’t wait to repipe—call Repipe and Replumb today at 832-232-1252. Upgrade to Uponor PEX and experience the best in residential repiping in Houston, Texas.
M | T | W | T | F | S | S |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 |
28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |