Plumbing emergencies often happen at the most inopportune times. It is important to have the issue fixed immediately as plumbing incidents can lead to structural issues occurring if they are not repaired. Neglecting these issues can lead to major repairs that can break the bank. Consider working with a plumbing service that offers a payment plan if the expense is more than the funds you have available.
Contact an Emergency Plumbing Service
As soon as you notice an issue, contact an emergency plumbing service. Ask for the estimated time of arrival for the plumbing technician being dispatched and keep track of the time. If the technician does not arrive on-time, contact the dispatch office. If you have a bit of time, contact multiple services for a service-call fee quote. Decide which service is the most affordable and offers the best service.
Shut off the Water Main
When you do not know the culprit of your plumbing emergency, turn off the water main for the whole home. If the emergency is visible to only one area, only shut off that access point. This stops water from being used and flowing onto floors and behind walls. Uncontrolled leaks can cause mold, weak walls and can compromise electrical lines too.
Consider the Cost
While you may have the funds to afford an initial service call to at least stop the issue, affording the entire repair may be a different story. A personal or home loan may need to be acquired to pay for the necessary repairs and you can try here to see if you qualify for a loan for necessary funding. If a plumbing company does not offer a payment plan, you can at least achieve that through a loan company.
You may be able to complete some of the repairs yourself. It is ideal to consider your own abilities prior to hiring a professional company to complete the repairs from start to finish.
Clean-up Puddles of Water
Clean any standing water as soon as possible. You do not have to wait for the plumbing service to arrive to clean up water as it can damage floors, walls and cabinetry. Take photos of the water so that you can show the plumber upon arrival. If you use bath towels, wash wring them out and wash them right away to prevent moldy and musty smells from forming.
Replace Damaged Items
Replace damaged items as soon as possible. Leaving the water-logged and damaged items in their places can lead to more issues down the road later. Items that get wet but are not thoroughly and properly dried are a risk for mold growth. This may mean additional expenses will happen, but the health of those living in the home is much more important.
Plumbing emergencies can be a real headache sometimes. It seems that these emergencies happen often after normal business hours, while you are away from the home or when you’ve just made a major purchase. Work through the issue and make changes to your spending habits to get the issue repaired as quickly as possible.