There are many times where a plumbing problem simply cannot wait for “normal business hours,” and in those cases, you need to be able to get in touch with a plumber right away.
But, do you really know what constitutes as a plumbing emergency? When should you really bite the bullet and call for emergency plumbing services, and is it worth incurring an additional cost? For the most part, that’s a question that only you as an individual can answer, and it’s also dependent on the exact scenario. For instance, a small leak in a single faucet isn’t likely a huge cause for concern, but if there is water spreading across your kitchen floor, that’s a different situation entirely. What should you do if that’s the case? We’ll get to that in a moment…
Plumbing Emergencies
Some of the most common plumbing emergencies we get called for include:
- An overflowing toilet
- A clogged sink or toilet
- No hot water
- A blocked sewer line from tree roots
- A major pipe rupture or leak
- A leaking washing machine hose
- The discovery of running water behind a wall or beneath the floor
What to Do in a Plumbing Emergency
- Shut Off the Water! Every home has a main water shut-off valve, which cuts off the water supply to the whole home. Unless you live in a multi-family complex, in which case it’s a good idea to find out from your property management company what the appropriate course of action is.
Assuming your water shut off is in your home though, you should make sure that every family member knows where it is and how to use it. The moments there’s a plumbing problem, go ahead and shut off the water to keep the problem from growing worse. If you know exactly where the source of the problem is, consider shutting off the valve on that fixture, if you know where it is, rather than the main water shut off.
- Decide How Long You Can Wait. In many cases, an emergency plumbing response depends on the extent of the problem and whether or not you can actually wait for regular hours. If the damage is localized, for instance, or if the problem takes place within just a few hours until you can make a business-hours call to a plumber, then you may want to hold off on the emergency call.
- Don’t Feel Bad for Wanting Peace of Mind. In some cases, an emergency call for a plumbing repair isn’t necessarily warranted by a specific circumstance, but rather your own peace of mind. Plumbing problems can be pretty serious, and if you’re trying to enjoy the weekend or get a good night’s sleep before getting up for work, you may want to get the plumbing problem taken care of right away so you simply don’t have to worry about it!
Established in 1912, Max Sr & Paul Schoenwalder Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, A Corp. is your trusted resource for reliable plumbing in Millburn, NJ. Reach out to us today.