Steps to Take During a Plumbing Emergency - Plumber Denver

Steps to Take During a Plumbing Emergency

Quick actions to minimize damage and restore order during unexpected plumbing crises.

Request Service

Slider Image 1
Slider Image 2
Slider Image 3
Slider Image 4
Slider Image 5
Slider Image 7
Slider Image 8
Slider Image 9
Slider Image 10
Slider Image 11

Overview of Steps to Take During a Plumbing Emergency

When your plumbing springs an emergency, you must act fast to prevent water damage to your home. The first order of business is to find the source of the problem. If you can, shut off the water supply to that section of the house. If you're not sure which valve to turn, find your main shut-off and get that water shut down. Once it's all quiet on the water front, see if you can manage the problem with some household items, like rags and buckets, that can temporarily stem the tide. If you can't and the problem seems serious, the next call you make should be to a trained plumber.

Once you have managed the flow of water, the next step is to control any water that has already come out. Use mops or towels to stop water from going any further. Put buckets or basins under any dripping water. Move electronics, valuable documents, and furniture away from the area where the water has come in. Dry any surfaces that are wet or damp. Ventilate the area as much as possible. Open windows if you can. Otherwise, use fans to move the air around and help the drying process.

While you are awaiting help from professionals, don't use any plumbing fixtures in the affected area. Know that doing so could make the repairs needed twice as costly and half as effective. Look for any obvious damage. If you find any, take note. The plumber and your insurance company will find what you see to be incredibly useful. Look around and see if you have any type of plumbing emergency kit prepared. Make sure you have the type of tools on hand that could make a significant difference in your and your pipes' wellbeing over the next few days. Do these things, and you're still on the front lines of immediate plumbing problem-solving.

Key Factors Influencing Steps to Take During a Plumbing Emergency

It is critical to maintain a clear head and not panic when faced with a plumbing emergency. This starts with understanding the problem and, more importantly, the source of the problem. You are probably dealing with one of three scenarios: a pipe that has burst, a toilet that is no longer able to contain itself, or a drain that has become a comedically oversized "funnel" (if only the physics of that worked out). Even if you don't have professional-grade diagnostic tools, you can still often identify the most likely source of the issue and, even better, the probable point of failure along the plumbing. Once you've done this, you can direct your mental and emotional energy toward solving the problem rather than just managing it and dealing with the "See, I told you we needed to cut back on the bills!" kinds of conversations that happen when plumbing fails to do what plumbing is so good at.

Another critical aspect is ensuring that the necessary tools and emergency contacts are readily available. A fully stocked emergency plumbing kit can mean the difference between stopping a minor overflow from turning into a room full of water and just... well, stopping it. It should include items such as wrenches, pliers, duct tape, and the very important plunger. The right tools can make short work of several minor emergencies. Having a reliable 24/7 plumbing service close to hand is also a must. Trained tattooed professionals can be a lot of help in a pinch, and knowing when to call in professional help can make a near-miss seem more like a minor bump in the road and less like a calamity waiting to happen.

Finally, the emergency management of plumbing disasters can be significantly aided by the appropriate education of household members on effective response protocols. Clear the path to the main water valve in your home and ensure that everyone can find it. There are some basic troubleshooting techniques that can be performed to resolve minor plumbing problems, and it is worth your time to go over these with anyone else who shares your space. It's also vital to understand that "vital" is the correct word for the path your plumbing takes when it has to bear a load—like, say, when you really need the toilet in your bathroom to work. Being familiar with the potential plumbing disaster paths in your house and what to do to keep them from panicking is a life skill that should be part of everyone's emergency toolkit.

Our Process

Step 1

Quick & Easy Consultation

Your plumbing dilemma can be addressed with a mere phone call or an online appointment. Our friendly customer service staff swiftly addresses your particular plumbing problem and will schedule a convenient time for one of our licensed plumbing pros to diagnose your issue. Once we take over, you can rest assured there will be no nonsense, no games, no phone tag, and especially no hidden fees.

Step 2

Clear and Upfront Pricing, with Expert Diagnosis

Plumbers with experience and skill come to your home in a timely manner, ready to get to the bottom of your plumbing problem. They have the tools necessary to make an accurate diagnosis and the know-how to make sense of what they have found. They work under a creed of no ambiguity, no secrecy, and no sleight of hand, just good plumbing with a fair bill at the end.

Step 3

Expert Resolution & Guaranteed Satisfaction

We have expert technicians who handle all manner of plumbing repairs and installations. With us, you can count on high-grade materials, a thorough cleanup at the jobs end, guarantees that cover our work for real, and a plumbing system that works perfectly as our final check before we leave.

Importance of Steps to Take During a Plumbing Emergency

It's vital to take swift and sure actions during a plumbing emergency if you hope to keep your property from sustaining serious water damage. The first order of business is to identify the source of the problem—be it a pipe that's decided to part with its contents, a toilet that's gone rogue, or a water heater that's sprung a major leak. You need to know what's causing the trouble to figure out what to do next. In many cases, shutting off the water supply is the immediate necessity. Do you know where your main valve is located? If the answer is no, find out now and remember it. Your knowledge could save serious time and money in the event of a plumbing disaster. Beyond this, clear the area around the problem to make way for repairs and ensure that hazardous conditions don't exist. Finally, take some pictures. Documentation will be helpful later for your insurance adjuster and the plumbing professional you've called in to do the cleanup and repairs.

Another critical facet in a plumbing emergency is communication with a professional plumber—the more effective, the better. Access to a 24/7 emergency plumbing service can be invaluable; when you can’t get to the office, for example, you might get to the office of an emergency plumber at 8:00 a.m. and have that office work with you to get your emergency situation dispatched by the time you would typically leave your office for lunch. That being said, don’t wait until a plumber you can talk to gets to your office for a face-to-face meeting. Use the phone to call ahead and keep the conversation moving until the emergency situation can be resolved. You can also use the emergency stopgap measure of having the power company cut your electrical supply if you can’t safely turn off all the power you need to.

To truly grasp the significance of preventative measures in plumbing, it helps to think of them as confidence builders. They furnish you with the surety and poise needed to make the right calls during a plumbing crisis. That is, of course, assuming you're not already three steps behind an oncoming deluge of water. The first confidence-boosting preventative measure you can take is regular maintenance. It enables not just the identification of potential problems but also the performance of routine plumbing tasks that ensure your system functions properly and any weak points are secured. It allows for the inspection of every part of your plumbing system, inside and out, which takes us to the next big confidence builder—smart plumbing solutions. We're all reasonably smart in this day and age. If we're not, we have family members, friends, and professionals who are and who can help us.

Testimonials

Mark R.

Mark R.

I couldn't have asked for a better response from Plumber Denver when my kitchen sink started to leak. They were on the scene within the hour and got everything back under control in no time. Their technician was not only extremely personable but also made it a point to explain, in layman's terms, what he was doing and why he was doing it at every step. If these guys are a representation of the plumbing industry, then I have newfound respect for the plumbing industry.

Terry J.

Terry J.

After weeks of having a stubborn drain that refused to drain, I finally picked up the phone and called Plumber Denver. They dispatched a technician to my home the same day, and before I knew it, the technician had my drain cleared and was on to the next job. The whole experience was so pleasant that I felt compelled to sing their praises in a review.

Jose T.

Jose T.

I don't think I could have had a better experience with Plumber Denver! They installed what seems to be a great water heater in my home and lived up to their name. The crew was prompt, professional, and very competent; I was even able to understand a good portion of their technical talk! They worked in a very tidy manner; in fact, the area around my old water heater looks better now than it ever did when I had the old heater. I will tell everyone about this company!

Mara W.

Mara W.

Whenever I encounter any issues with my plumbing, I dial up Plumber Denver. They recently assisted me in completely redoing my bathroom and, between you and me, their expertise in plumbing virtually guarantees that whatever goes wrong in the future will not be their fault. They're punctual, and they work efficiently, but what really makes them shine is that they take care to make sure everything is perfect before they leave. I can't recommend them highly enough.

Alex S.

Alex S.

I was truly astonished by the service provided by Plumber Denver! My toilet kept running and they repaired it swiftly and at an extremely reasonable price. The technician was top-notch and took the necessary time to explain what had gone amiss. Without a doubt, I will be employing them for any plumbing problems that may arise in the future!

Practical Considerations for Steps to Take During a Plumbing Emergency

Remain Calm and Assess the Situation

When a plumbing emergency strikes, it is vital for you to remain calm. This will enable you to think clearly and take effective action. The first thing to do is to quickly appraise the situation and figure out just how bad it is. Is there a major leak, a serious clog, or some other sort of big malfunction? If it's a big problem, how manageable is it? Can you manage it, or is this more serious plumbing issue than you can handle? Stay calm and take a few deep breaths to clear your mind. A clear mind helps one avoid panic and motivates one to take clear-headed, methodical steps toward solving the problem and minimizing damage.

Turn Off the Water Supply

In a plumbing emergency, one of the first things to do is to stop the flow of water to prevent further damage. The main water shut-off valve in your home, which you must locate first, will stop the flow from going any further into your home. If the emergency is localized to a certain fixture, you can also command the water to stop using that fixture's specific shut-off valve without needing to shut off the water to the entire house. These quick actions can prevent structural damage to your home and keep your repair costs down.

Safeguard Electrical Appliances

It can be dangerous when electricity and water mix. That's why it's crucial to eliminate any possible electrical threats during a plumbing emergency. If water has made its way into direct contact with electrical components, shut off the power at the home's service entry. It's also important to keep any kind of electrical devices that may be in the area completely away from where water is going to be, just to ensure that there is absolutely no risk of electrical shock or fire. Incidentally, this also allows the electricity to dry out so that it can be repaired later.

Communicate with a Professional Plumber

After you have taken care of urgent matters, such as halting water flow and securing electrical safety, it's essential to get in touch with a professional plumber. Give them the lowdown on the situation, along with any deductions you made while figuring out the problem. A well-versed plumber can "read between the lines" and will come onto the scene with a clearer head, not needing to waste time figuring out what's what.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you handle emergency plumbing?

Begin by immediately shutting off the primary water supply to stop any further water from causing damage. Emergency plumbing situations call for the use of the brain, not the brawn, and the first step often taken by the not-so-handy person is to plow through with as much power as they can muster. If brain doesn't win out over brawn in an emergency plumbing situation, a person simply won't have the presence of mind to figure out (1) where the main plumbing supply is located, (2) how to turn it off, and (3) to whom to yell for help after turning it off. Well, at least I don't.

What qualifies as a plumbing emergency?

A situation that poses an immediate risk to property or safety can be classified as a plumbing emergency. These situations require immediate attention and include overflowing toilets, backed-up sewer lines, burst pipes, and severe water leaks. A more subtle emergency is a lack of access to running water, which is often not recognized until it's too late.

Do plumbers charge more for emergencies?

Certainly! Here's a rephrased version of the text you provided:Indeed, for several reasons, plumbers tend to charge more for emergencies. Immediate responses are needed to calls that are of an emergency nature, and those tending to the emergencies must be prioritized over the already scheduled work. Also, if the emergency work happens to fall outside of regular hours, then the plumber in question is undeniably working at an inconvenient time for him or her. Covering these bases necessitates charging more for the same plumbing services that are offered at lower rates during the regular workday.

How long does it take for an emergency plumber to come?

An emergency plumber's response time can depend on several factors, including location, time of day, and the plumber's own schedule. When it comes to emergencies, most plumbers will try to arrive at the scene within 1 to 2 hours. You might be wondering how they do this, considering that many of us are at least an hour delayed in getting to work or some event. Plumbers, however, are a different breed—they're on our side in the race against time.

What should be done immediately if a water line in your home bursts?

The first step in stopping a flood is to find and shut off the main water valve. That action halts the flow of water and prevents additional flooding.Next, if water has come into contact with electrical outlets or appliances, cut the electrical power to the affected area to maintain safety.Once you have dealt with the immediate threat, you need to reach out to a professional plumber. They will assess the situation and repair what is likely a burst pipe.As you await assistance, attempt to lessen water destruction by employing towels, buckets, or a wet/dry vacuum to eliminate excess water and shield key items from becoming wet.

Is a blocked sewer an emergency?

Indeed, a sewer blockage is considered an emergency. It can lead to serious problems like sewage backing up into the house, which is hazardous to human health and capable of causing extensive damage to a person's property. Promptly correcting it ensures the plumbing system will safely and properly carry sewage away from the house.

Who is responsible for burst water pipes?

The responsibility usually lies with the property owner to mend and maintain burst water pipes within the boundaries of their property. But if the burst pipe is outside the property boundary—in the street, for instance, or in a common area of an apartment complex—the responsibility typically shifts to the local water authority or the property management company. Determining where the boundary lies and checking local regulations will clarify responsibilities.

How do you dry out a house after a burst pipe?

If a pipe bursts in your home, the first thing you want to do is stop the flow of water and power to the area. Next, get that water out. You're probably going to need some serious tools. A wet-dry vacuum is what most folks use when trying to suck the last bit of water out of a space. After that, you're going to rely on good, old-fashioned air circulation. Open the doors and windows, and if you're able, get some powerful fans to blow the air around. Dehumidifiers are a good idea here and can be life-savers when it comes to your home's future. And if you have any wet drywall or insulation... well, let's just say that's a serious recipe for mold, and you're better off cutting it out and replacing it.

Will insurance cover a burst pipe?

Whether a burst pipe is covered by insurance depends on your specific policy. For the most part, standard homeowners insurance covers "sudden and accidental" water damage, which would include a burst pipe. But coverage can get murky if the damage was the result of maintenance issues or, as the insurance industry sometimes puts it, "lack of due care." If your plumbing is in trouble and you have reason to believe your insurance might cover it, now's the time to read your policy or give your provider a call.

Does homeowners insurance cover plumbing?

Insurance for homeowners usually protects against plumbing catastrophes. It covers, for instance, a sudden burst pipe that sends water gushing into your basement. And it will cover that same basement—but just once—if the same plumbing problem occurs again and is allowed to occur for a time (a little more than six months, as a rule of thumb) before it is fixed. This is provided you have caught it in time and you or your retainers have done the minimum to prevent a lot more damage from occurring again.

Plumbing in the Denver Area by Plumber Denver

We Offer Comprehensive Plumbing Services Throughout The Denver Area. Our Craft Covers The Full Spectrum Of Plumbing From The Meticulous Repairs Of Residential Systems To The More Complex Installations Often Found In Commercial Environments.

Customer Satisfaction Is Our Priority. Our Technicians Have Both The Knowledge And The Experience Necessary For Efficient Service And Safely Plumbing Installations Throughout The Denver Area. We Are Well-acquainted With Local Codes.

We Have Built Our Business On Trust And A Commitment Around Community And Safety. Our Transparent, Reliable Service Ensures All Denver Residents Can Get Their Plumbing Needs Met With Professionals Who Truly Understand The Issues You Are Facing. Call Today To Talk To Us.

Blog

Follow our articles & updates

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Accumsan…

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Accumsan tortor posuere ac ut consequat. Bibendum est ultricies integer quis auctor elit sed vulputate mi. Pretium nibh ipsum consequat nisl. Ut aliquam purus sit amwerwet…

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Accumsan…

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Accumsan…

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Accumsan…

Contact Us

Call Now for Fast, Reliable Service! Your Denver Plumbing Experts Are Just a Phone Call Away