We know as well as anyone that plumbing emergencies can happen at the most inconvenient times. Since we don't typically experience plumbing emergencies in our day-to-day lives, many people don't know what constitutes a plumbing emergency, what to do in a plumbing emergency, and how to avoid plumbing emergencies in the future. That's why today we're breaking down what you need to know to handle plumbing emergencies and when to call an emergency plumber in Pittsburgh to help.
Steps to Take In a Plumbing Emergency
If you are currently experiencing a plumbing emergency, not to worry! When handling your plumbing emergency, here are the 5 steps you need to take to resolve your emergency quickly with the least amount of damage possible.
Step 1: Shut Off Your Water
Whenever you have any type of plumbing emergency, the first step you should take is to turn off the water supply leading to your leak. If you can't find the specific valve supplying water to the problem area in your home, opt to turn off the water supply to your entire home until you can call professional plumbing help.
Step 2: Turn Off Your Water Heater
Depending on your plumbing emergency, you may or may not need to turn off your water heater. If you are unsure of whether your water heater will be impacted, you should opt to turn it off to prevent any potential damage to your system.
Step 3: Empty Your Pipes
After you've shut off the water supply, you should then open your drains and spigots to remove any water in your pipes. Don't forget about any outdoor spigots you may have as well.
Step 4: Assess the Damage
After your water has been turned off and your spigots and faucets are cleared out, it's now time to assess the damage and try to locate the root of the problem. Look for water damage, any new moisture marks, warped flooring, or peeling paint. Knowing the extent of the damage will help your emergency Pittsburgh plumber understand the problem further. Additionally, assessing the water damage immediately and logging the information will help you if you need to report the issue to your insurance company.
Step 5: Call for an Emergency Plumber in Pittsburgh
Especially with large leaks, you may not be able to resolve the issue on your own. If you have determined that you cannot repair the leak on your own, it is time to call an emergency plumber in Pittsburgh. Provide your plumber with as much information as possible so they have a better understanding of how to properly fix the issue before they arrive at your home.
What constitutes a plumbing emergency?
As we stated earlier, it can be hard to know what actually constitutes a plumbing emergency and what can stand to wait for a regular plumbing appointment. If you are noticing any of these issues, you should call an emergency plumber in Pittsburgh immediately.
- Sewer line blockage - Unseen blockages can lead to serious plumbing issues if left unresolved.
- Water heater burst - Be sure to turn off the cold water and power supply to your water heater before calling for professional help.
- No water - While this can be caused by a multitude of issues, it's best to be examined by a qualified emergency plumber in Pittsburgh to ensure there are no leaks in your pipes.
- Overflowing toilet - When your toilet overflows, you will notice your toilet make gurgling sounds and see the water level rise. Remember not to flush the toilet again if you notice this issue. Instead, push the toilet flapper closed and shut off the toilet water valve if you have one.
- Sump pump failure - Pour water into your sump pit to test your sump pump. If your sump pump does not turn on itself and pumps out most of the water, call a plumber in Pittsburgh to check it for you.
- Blocked drains - Blocked drains can cause overflowing and flooding if not properly fixed. If you notice flooding, turn off your water supply to where the problem is stemming and call for professional help as soon as possible.
- Broken water line - A broken water line can typically be spotted when you notice soft or slushy spots on your lawn, a noticeable decrease in water pressure, or a higher than normal water bill. If you think your water line is broken, call a plumber immediately.
- Leaking pipes - When you notice a leaky pipe, it's crucial that you stop the water flow. You can temporarily fix a leaky pipe with a patch, but you should call in the professionals to remedy this.
- Burst pipes - If left unfixed, damaged or broken pipes in your home can lead to excessive flooding. Your ceiling, walls, flooring, and furniture may be damaged in the process, which only leads to more problems and a pricier repair cost. In a case like this, it's best to call an emergency plumber in Pittsburgh to resolve the issue in the most efficient manner. So, turn off your water supply and schedule an emergency plumbing appointment right away.
Keep in mind that not every plumbing issue constitutes an emergency. Issues like clogged toilets, slow drainage, mold, and mildew are definitely problems that need to be addressed by a plumber. That being said, emergency plumbing services aren't typically required to immediately fix these issues.
How to Avoid Plumbing Emergencies
Most plumbing emergencies can be avoided—here is what you can do at home to avoid calling an emergency plumber in Pittsburgh
Many times, plumbing issues can be detected early on before they become emergencies. Though plumbing issues can be hard to spot, if you set time aside to regularly check your plumbing, you can better catch these issues so you don't have to call an emergency plumber in Pittsburgh.
We prep our yards, HVAC systems, and many other things for seasonal weather changes. These seasonal preparation measures should include your plumbing system. Schedule out time for yourself to seasonally prepare your system for warmer and colder weather. Additionally, you should take the time to regularly check for leaks in your home. If you notice water spots or paint peeling from water damage, you can likely get to the root of the cause of the plumbing issue. Not only can these steps help you spot issues early on, but they will also help you prevent emergencies from happening in the first place.
Emergency Plumbing Services at Restano
As your go-to emergency plumber in Pittsburgh, here's how we can help with emergency plumbing issues
We know that emergencies happen often at the most inconvenient times. At Restano Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we offer 24/7 emergency services for your plumbing needs. Whether it be overflowing drains, leaking pipes, or gas line issues, our team of experienced Pittsburgh plumbers is prepared to handle any emergency plumbing problems. If you need an emergency plumber in Pittsburgh to fix any emergencies, call (412) 793-3190 as soon as possible to minimize damage to your home.
