6 Emergency Plumbing Repairs That Require Your Immediate Attention

Emergency plumbing repairs are never fun, but if you take care of the problem as soon as possible, you’ll limit the damage and repair costs. For many plumbing emergencies, you’ll need to call an expert, but there are steps you can take to control things until your plumber arrives.

1. Overflowing toilet

It’s one of the most common emergency plumbing repairs, but one that’s usually easy to solve. First close the toilet’s water inlet valve. Then open the sewer clean-out cap in your yard to give the backed-up water somewhere to go.

2. Clogged kitchen sink

Open your outdoor sewer clean-out cap. Avoid opening anything under your sink because you could release backed-up water.

3. Interior leak

Shut off the water to your house. Certain air conditioner problems, such as a frozen coil, can cause indoor water leaks. If you’re running the air conditioning, turn it up to 82 degrees to reduce the load on the equipment.

4. Water heater trouble

If not repaired, even a tiny leak from your water heater can quickly turn into a major problem. To reduce risk of further damage, close the water heater’s inlet valve, then turn off the fuel source or electricity. If you notice burn marks on your gas water heater or see a flame coming out, immediately shut off the fuel source.

5. First-floor drains bubbling

This could indicate a severely clogged sewer line or drain. Open your outdoor sewer clean-out cap. Avoid running water upstairs.

6. A leak in the yard

Water coming up in your yard or elsewhere near your home suggests a broken underground pipe. Find your outdoor water meter and close the shutoff valve on the outlet side of meter. If you’re dealing with any of these problems, contact a plumber. Regular plumbing maintenance can prevent most emergency plumbing repairs, so schedule a routine inspection at least once a year.

If you’d like professional advice on managing plumbing repairs or keeping your plumbing in good condition, talk with us at Sobieski Services. Our goal is to help educate our customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC and plumbing systems).

Image Credit: Gerald Stolk