We probably don’t have to tell you how integral to the functionality of your home your plumbing system is. Still though, even though you know this, you probably don’t think about this home component very much—that is, until something goes wrong. The fact of the matter is, things like leaks, clogs, and other plumbing issues very rarely happen at a “convenient” time, and when they do occur you may very well need the assistance of a professional Kenilworth emergency plumber.
But how do you know what constitutes a plumbing emergency? When does a problem need to be addressed right away and when can it wait? This, of course, is dependent on your specific situation. For instance, if you have a drip coming from a faucet in the home, you’re not going to be concerned, but if water is gushing out of a burst pipe on your kitchen floor, then you have an entirely different scenario on your hands. So, what do you do?
When Do You Need Emergency Plumbing Repair?
Emergency plumbing repair is usually needed when a problem could cause property damage, create a safety risk, or leave essential plumbing unusable.
- Burst or severely leaking pipes
- Overflowing toilets that will not stop
- Major drain or sewer backups
- No running water throughout the home
- Water heater leaks or failures causing active damage
If the issue is worsening quickly or cannot be safely contained, contact a professional plumber as soon as possible.
Shut Off the Water During a Plumbing Emergency
Every home is equipped with a main water shut-off valve, which cuts off the water supply to the whole house. Every family member should know where it is and how to use it. The moment there’s a problem with your plumbing system, shutting off the water will keep the issue from getting worse.
In many cases, individual plumbing outlets will have their own individual shut-off valves that cut off water to them while keeping the water running in other parts of the home. If you’re certain of where the leak or problem is coming from, you may be able to shut it off at the source rather than shutting off water to the entire home.
Decide Whether Your Plumbing Emergency Can Wait
In most cases, an emergency plumbing call depends on the extent of the problem and whether or not you can wait for regular business hours. If the damage is localized, for instance, or if the problem takes place within a few hours of when a plumber can make a regular call, then you may choose to wait, for your convenience.
But if a plumbing problem brings your whole home to a halt, or if you’ll need to wait an entire weekend to have a plumber come during normal business hours, then we definitely think you should call for emergency plumbing services.
Call for Emergency Plumbing Services When You Need Immediate Help
In some cases, a plumbing emergency call isn’t necessarily warranted by the specific circumstances of the leak/clog/etc. but rather to help you rest easier and not worry so much—and that’s okay! Plumbing issues can certainly be serious, impacting not only the pipes themselves but causing property damage to your home.
We understand if you don’t want to sit around and wait for a professional plumber to show up—calling for professional emergency services can give you peace of mind that the problem will be dealt with promptly and thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What should I do first during a plumbing emergency?
Answer: The first thing to do is stop the flow of water so the problem does not cause more damage to your home. Shut off the valve for the affected fixture if you can identify it, or turn off the main water supply when the source is unclear or the leak is severe.
Question: What is considered a plumbing emergency?
Answer: A plumbing emergency is any issue that can quickly cause major water damage, create a health or safety risk, or make essential plumbing unusable. Burst pipes, sewer backups, severe leaks, and overflowing fixtures are common situations that may require immediate professional attention.
Question: When should I call an emergency plumber instead of waiting?
Answer: You should call an emergency plumber when the problem cannot be safely contained or when waiting could lead to additional water damage or other serious issues. Smaller problems that are fully controlled and are not causing active damage may be able to wait until normal business hours.
Question: Should I shut off the entire home’s water for a plumbing leak?
Answer: You may not need to shut off water to the entire house if the leak is coming from a fixture with its own working shut-off valve. If you cannot locate the source, cannot stop the leak locally, or water is spreading quickly, turning off the main supply is the safer option.
Question: How can I reduce water damage before a plumber arrives?
Answer: After shutting off the water, move furniture, electronics, and other valuables away from the affected area and contain standing or dripping water with towels, buckets, or containers. Cleaning up as much water as you safely can may help limit damage while you wait for professional plumbing service.
For quick and effective plumbing services in the Union, NJ area and beyond, contact Max Sr & Paul Schoenwalder Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, A Corp. We’ve been serving our customers for over 104 years!