First Step for Plumbing Emergencies

Some plumbing problems are slow-moving, such as a faucet that drips, drips, drips.

The sound is annoying, the water loss a waste. But you can call us at your convenience to schedule a repair. But then there’s the dreaded plumbing emergency – there’s no such thing as a convenient time for disaster. Plumbing emergencies require fast action. If a pipe breaks, a washing machine hose bursts, a toilet overflows, a faucet won’t shut off, or an ice maker goes haywire… the obvious first step is to stop the flow of water.

Make sure you and others in your household know how to locate and turn off the water supply shut-off valves for fixtures and appliances, as well as the main shut-off valve for the house. You’ll usually find individual shutoff valves underneath a fixture or behind an appliance where it’s connected to the water supply line. The main shut-off valve that sends water flowing through your pipes could be on an outside wall or utility area.

 Another option: The water meter near the street has a valve where you could turn off the house side of the water line. If a fixture or appliance is creating the emergency, use the shutoff valve at that location. If you can’t find the shut-off valve, or the emergency is not just a fixture (such as a leaking or broken pipe), turn off the flow of water to the house at the main shut-off valve. To shut off, turn clockwise.

 Next step: Call us. We can help.