Plumbing emergencies not only disrupt your schedule, but they can also cause damage to your home. Many people panic during a plumbing emergency, making it difficult to take the right steps to protect their home and family. Being prepared helps you take immediate action and seek the professional plumbing repair services you need. American Air, Plumbing, and Electrical in Sanford, FL, can help you understand the exact steps to take immediately after a plumbing emergency.
What Constitutes a Plumbing Emergency
Plumbing emergencies can take many forms, some more serious than others. A plumbing emergency is an issue that causes active water damage, poses a health or safety risk, or disrupts essential water service. We handle burst pipes, overflowing toilets, severe leaks, and water heater failures. These steps will not replace professional services. They protect your home and family while you wait for our plumbers to arrive. Fast and accurate action helps minimize risk. It’s important to stay calm and take appropriate action.
The Orlando area has unique challenges that contribute to plumbing emergencies. For instance, slab foundations are common in homes in Central Florida. These foundations can shift with soil movement, potentially causing slab leaks. Heavy rain seasons can also strain plumbing, causing damage over time. Homeowners need to work with a local plumber who understands the area’s home construction, plumbing systems, and climate.
Burst pipes can release hundreds of gallons of water within a short time. Standing water in your home can damage building materials, such as drywall and wood. It can also lead to mold growth. Locating and repairing the damaged pipe stops the water flow and allows for prompt cleanup.
Overflowing toilets not only create a mess, but they also spread odors and bacteria. If a plunger does not dislodge the clog, do not use chemical drain cleaners. They can cause damage to your plumbing. Instead, contact a professional plumber to resolve the issue promptly.
First Steps to Take During a Plumbing Emergency
Although plumbing emergencies can make your heart race and cause worry, panicking will do more harm than good. It’s essential to stay focused on the tasks ahead. These steps will help you stay focused and minimize risks to your family and property.
Shut Off the Main Water Supply
Stopping the water flow is your top priority in most plumbing emergencies, especially when dealing with frozen pipes. It’s helpful to know where your main shutoff valve is before an emergency. Knowing its location will help you act quickly when it matters most. Shut off the water entirely until professional help arrives.
The faster you shut off your main water valve, the less water damage your home will suffer. Acting quickly helps prevent water from spreading throughout your home and minimizes absorption that can cause damage and eventual mold growth. It’s essential to shut off your water before you even call for emergency plumbing services.
Turn Off the Electricity If Necessary
Water should never come into contact with electrical components. Electrical risks can result from standing water, including electrocution. You should shut off your electricity at your electrical panel if there is water near outlets, your water heater is leaking, or if there are flooded areas. Practice safety at all times and avoid contact with wet electrical equipment.
Stop Localized Water Sources
You may not need to shut off your entire water supply if your plumbing emergency only affects one fixture. Most homes have water shutoff valves behind toilets, under sinks, and near appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers. Shutting off your local water supply until a professional arrives helps isolate the issue and allows the rest of your home to continue functioning normally. Ensure you know the locations of your local shut-offs and how to shut them off before a plumbing emergency ever occurs.
Contain the Water
Water spreads quickly, and in its wake comes extensive damage. It’s important to act quickly to contain the water and prevent it from spreading outside of the immediate point of entry. Gather absorbent towels and buckets. Use mops to help control the spread. It’s imperative to take action if the water is spreading on your flooring or near drywall.
Document the Damage
Depending on your insurance policy, you can file a claim for any damage. Make sure to document the damage with photos and videos so that you have proof to submit with your claim.
You should also move valuables, furniture, and electronics from the wet areas. Unfortunately, even a small amount of water can begin causing damage. Acting quickly helps prevent widespread, costly damage.
What Not to Do During a Plumbing Emergency
When homeowners panic, they may make mistakes during a plumbing emergency. There are some things you should avoid to protect your home and family.
No DIY Repairs
While it’s tempting to save a buck or two, most DIY efforts end up costing more. Attempting major plumbing repairs without proper training can cause further damage and increase the risk of injury. It’s best to leave most plumbing repairs to seasoned professionals.
No Overtightening Fittings
Never overtighten plumbing fittings in your home. Although you may think it can stop a leak or prevent one, it could cause further damage. Overtightening can cause cracked or stripped heads. It can also distort the pipe and exert pressure on it, potentially causing leaks.
No Ignoring Minor Leaks
You can avoid a plumbing emergency by addressing minor issues promptly. Ignoring minor leaks will not make them go away; in fact, it could make them worse. It’s essential to seek regular plumbing services, such as inspections, to help professionals identify minor problems before they become significant.
No Non-Plumbing Tool Use
Although you can use a plunger for sink or toilet clogs, other items can cause damage. Never use a wire clothes hanger or other non-plumbing tools to dislodge clogs. You can scrape and gouge the interior of your drain pipes, weakening them and increasing the risk of leaks. If your toilet or sink does not respond to plunging, do not use them until we carry out repairs.
How You Respond Matters
While it’s natural to panic during a plumbing emergency, it is one of the worst things you can do. Panic can lead to overthinking and taking incorrect actions that could end up costing you more. While plumbing emergencies are stressful, they are also manageable with the right approach.
You should always practice safety first. Make sure your family and pets are safe and away from flooding or sewage. Take quick action to shut off the main or local water supply and remove any standing water as soon as possible.
It’s also important to remember your limitations. Although you can safely perform the troubleshooting tasks above, you should not attempt DIY repairs. Our highly trained professionals have years of experience diagnosing and repairing a wide range of plumbing issues. We have the diagnostic tools and replacement parts to get the job done efficiently and effectively.
Schedule Your Emergency Plumbing Services
When plumbing emergencies strike, American Air, Plumbing, and Electrical is here to help. We offer a wide range of plumbing services, including installation, maintenance, and repairs. American Air, Plumbing, and Electrical is your trusted plumbing team in the Orlando Metro area.
Contact American Air, Plumbing, and Electrical right away to schedule emergency plumbing services in Sanford and the surrounding Orlando Metro area.
