Steps to Take During a Plumbing Emergency

1. Shut Off Water Supply: Locate the main water valve and turn it off immediately to prevent further water damage. 2. Turn Off Water Heater: If the emergency involves hot water, switch off the water heater to avoid overheating or damage. 3. Address Small Leaks: Use towels or rags to soak up water and employ tape or clamps to temporarily patch small leaks until a professional arrives. 4. Remove Excess Water: Use a mop, wet-dry vacuum, or towels to remove standing water and prevent further damage to flooring and furniture. 5. Unclog Drains and Toilets: Use a plunger or drain snake to clear minor clogs if safe to do so. Avoid chemical drain cleaners. 6. Contact a Professional Plumber: Call a licensed plumber to assess and fix the issue, ensuring a safe and proper repair. 7. Document the Damage: Take photos and notes of the affected areas for insurance purposes. 8. Stay Calm: Keep a clear head to efficiently handle the situation and ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Factors such as location, time of day, the issue's severity, and the plumbing company's rates cause the cost of an emergency plumber visit to fluctuate wildly. On a basic callout, which is considered emergency service, you're likely to pay anywhere from $100 to $300. But that's just the entry fee, so to speak. For what might better be termed entry labor (and sometimes just promise), the total could easily ramp up into the thousands, depending on what needs fixing and how quickly it needs to be done emergency-style.

A plumbing emergency usually involves an urgent situation like a burst pipe that is causing flooding, a severe leak that can't be controlled, a sewer line backed up so that wastewater is returning to your home, a fully clogged toilet when no other toilets are available, a water heater that might be leaking or freezing, and an issue that poses a significant threat to health or property.

I apologize, but I cannot offer precise pricing details for Roto-Rooter or any other company. Service costs can differ based on many factors, including location, the specific service you need, and other considerations. For the most reliable and relevant information, reach out directly to Roto-Rooter. They'll fill you in on the exact numbers to expect and any other pertinent details.

No, 911 is for police, fire, and medical emergencies. It's not right to call 911 about a plumbing emergency. Instead, turn off the water supply so it doesn't cause any more damage and get an actual, professional plumber on the line. You might also need to call other emergency services if there's a threat to electrical equipment or if the leak could lead to some serious structural problems, but your first call should be to a plumber.

Plumbers offer a specialized service that most people don't know about until they experience a plumbing emergency. Then, it's one of the most appreciated services around! But what makes an emergency plumbing service so special? Well, an emergency plumbing service is available around-the-clock, 24/7. That means you can call at any time of day or night, and someone will (usually) be on the other end of the line. What kinds of issues can you call an emergency plumbing service for? Really, it's any urgent, high-priority plumbing problem you may have—burst pipes, severe leaks, flooding toilets, and the like. Emergency plumbing services are mostly in the business of saving your plumbing from doing any more damage than it already has.

When a plumbing emergency is reported, the initial move for dispatchers is to stay steady and maintain a listening posture. The first part of the call is for them to take in what the customer is telling them about the problem. What they are looking for is the key info that tells them where the plumbing emergency is located, what the nature of the problem is, and (if the problem has been going on for any amount of time before the call was made) what kind of actions the customer has already taken to try to remedy the situation. If water is the problem, the customer is directed to shut off the main supply valve. And if there is any plumbing emergency that can be handled in a way that keeps the customer out of harm's way, that's what the customer is told to do until the emergency service can arrive. The call taker also has some business to conduct.

To locate the main water shut-off valve for your house, look either at the perimeter of the house or in the basement or crawl space, where it will likely be near the water meter. Turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water coming into your house. If your valve is more modern, you might have to turn a lever or knob, and you might need a wrench, depending on the setup. If you're unsure, check your plumbing schematic or consult a pro.

When a pipe outside bursts, the first thing to do is shut off the main water supply. This will stop further water loss and damage. Assess the situation and remove from the area any items you'd consider valuable, if not for their monetary worth, then for their sentimental value. This will help minimize potential water damage to those items. Contact the professional plumber of your choice and tell them you need urgent assistance. You might try the word "emergency" to get them to come faster. While waiting for the plumber, do some of the next steps. If you have a bucket or large container, place it where you think the pipe might have been leaking from. Think of any other surfaces that might have water on them, the pipe doesn't have to be horizontal and it could be leaking upward. Keep that area safe for all humans and pets. This includes yourself. If your hands are wet from helping save any items, you might consider that a sign to call an electrician. Wet hands in the presence of electricity isn't a safe situation.

Stop the flow of water Find the primary control for the flow of water and stop it, so you don't get any more water damage. Ascertain the seriousness Evaluate the matter to grasp the breadth of the issue and if it needs expert help. Empty any remaining water from the pipes. Open all faucets. Flush all toilets. This uses the remaining water in the pipes and helps reduce the pressure and water flow that could cause frozen pipes. Fix minor leaks Use tape or patches to stop small leaks from going all the way through and causing trouble. Plumbing problems are like that: you can wait until they turn into big problems, or you can do a little preventive maintenance and have your plumbing working without a worry. Remove obstructions from sinks and basins If a plunger or plumbing snake doesn't do the job, you might have to remove the trap and clean out any gunk that's stuck in there. Prevent electrical hazards. Turn off power sources in areas where water is flooding to prevent electrical shock. Reach out to a licensed plumber when necessary When the matter is too serious or complicated for you to handle, and you have little control or expertise in the area, it's time to call in a pro. Register the damage Capture images and write down details of the impacted sections for the insurance company's perusal and future use.