You never want to experience a problem with your plumbing system, but if you do, it’s nice to know you have an emergency plumber in Tacoma available, as well as, north and south from Seattle to Olympia. In short, an emergency plumber will show up at your home or business in Seattle, Tacoma, and other Western Washington communities in a hurry, minimizing the damage to your property.
Of course, dealing with a plumbing emergency can be incredibly stressful. There’s a good chance this is a once-in-a-lifetime scenario, so you’ll have no idea how to handle it.
Fortunately, the situation isn’t as dire as you might think, especially since you can follow a few tips to get you through it. Here are some steps to follow if you have a plumbing emergency in Puget Sound.
Identifying a Plumbing Emergency
Before all else, you’ll have to determine if your plumbing issue is a legitimate emergency. Not all plumbing problems require immediate attention, but those that do can cause significant damage if you don’t address them right away.
Common plumbing emergencies include:
- Burst Water Pipes: A sudden pipe burst can flood your home within minutes, damaging floors, walls, and belongings.
- Sewage Backup: If wastewater backs up into sinks, toilets, or drains, it can expose you to harmful bacteria and foul odors, making it a serious health risk.
- No Water Supply: If your home suddenly loses water, it could be due to a significant leak, frozen pipes, or an issue with the main water line.
- Overflowing Toilet: This situation can lead to water damage and unsanitary conditions if the overflowing doesn’t stop on its own.
- Gas Leaks from Water Heaters: If you smell gas near your water heater, evacuate immediately and call for emergency help, as this could lead to fire or explosion.
Calling an emergency plumber is necessary in these situations to reduce the damage to your property and keep your family safe.
Steps You Can Take Before Contacting an Emergency Plumber
When a plumbing emergency strikes, taking quick action can prevent further damage. However, you’ll need to follow a few steps before calling an emergency plumber.
The first step is to stop the flow of water. If the leak is coming from a specific sink or toilet, turn off the local shutoff valve underneath or behind it. If you can’t find the source or the leak is severe, turn off the main water valve, which you’ll usually find near your water meter, in the basement, or outside your home.
If you have to shut off the main water supply, you’ll also need to turn off your water heater to prevent overheating or pressure buildup. It’s also important to turn off your gas-powered water heater if you smell gas and evacuate immediately.
If water has reached electrical outlets, appliances, or wiring, turn off the power at your electrical panel to avoid the risk of electrocution. This step can reduce damage to your home and its contents while keeping your family safe.
Once you take these steps, you can call an emergency plumber to handle the rest of the situation.
Temporary Fixes While Waiting for the Plumber
It could take some time for your technician to get to your house. Fortunately, there are some temporary measures you can take while waiting for your emergency plumber to arrive:
- Use Plumber’s Tape for Small Leaks: If you notice a minor leak in a pipe or joint, you can wrap the area with plumbers’ tape to slow the water. Although the tape won’t fix the problem permanently, it can prevent further dripping until help arrives.
- Apply a Pipe Clamp on Damaged Pipes: For more significant leaks or cracks, use a pipe clamp or rubber patch to temporarily fix the issue. You can use hose clamps or a strong adhesive tape to hold the patch in place.
- Try Plunging for Minor Clogs: If a sink, toilet, or drain is clogged, use a plunger to try and clear the blockage. However, you’ll want to avoid using chemical drain cleaners because they can worsen the problem or damage your pipes.
- Soak Up Excess Water: Try using towels, mops, or a wet vacuum to remove any standing water and minimize the risk of flooring and furniture damage. For carpets, fans or dehumidifiers can help speed up drying.
These temporary solutions can buy you some time while you wait for your plumber to arrive.
Call an Emergency Plumber Today
Many things can go wrong with your plumbing system, so whether you need an emergency water heater repair or an emergency drain cleaning, getting a professional on the job is incredibly important.
Hunt’s Services offers emergency plumbing services in Tacoma, Seattle, and other parts of Pierce County, Thurston, Kitsap and King County. Call us at 253-533-7500 to have us handle your emergency repair as soon as possible.
