Emergency Plumbing Tips: What to Do Before the Plumber Arrives Boise, Idaho

At Proline Plumbing and Sewer, we understand that plumbing emergencies don’t always happen during convenient hours. That’s why we offer 24-hour plumbing services 365 days a year, ensuring you have the help you need no matter when disaster strikes. Whether it’s a burst pipe, a clogged drain, or a water heater malfunction, knowing how to handle a plumbing emergency before our expert plumbers arrive can save you time, money, and potential damage to your home. Here are some key emergency plumbing tips to follow before the plumber arrives.

1. Shut Off the Water Supply

If you’re dealing with a plumbing emergency like a burst pipe, a leaking water heater, or a toilet overflow, the first thing you should do is turn off your water supply to stop the flow of water.

• Main Water Shut-Off Valve: This valve is typically located near the water meter, often in the basement, crawlspace, or on the exterior of your home. Turning this off will prevent further flooding and reduce water damage.
• Localized Shut-Off Valves: If the issue is isolated to a specific fixture, like a sink or toilet, locate the shut-off valve under or near the fixture and turn it clockwise to stop the water flow.

Shutting off the water is the most important first step to minimize damage and ensure the situation doesn’t get worse.

2. Turn Off the Electricity (If Necessary)

If your plumbing issue involves water near electrical appliances, outlets, or fixtures (such as flooding around your water heater, washing machine, or sump pump), turn off the electricity to avoid the risk of electrocution or further damage.

• Circuit Breaker: Head to your electrical panel and shut off the circuit breaker for the affected area or appliance. This is particularly important if there’s standing water in your basement or near electrical outlets.

Safety comes first! If you're unsure about where the circuit breakers are located, it's best to call an emergency electrician or ask the plumber to handle it when they arrive.

3. Contain the Leak (If Possible)

If you have a pipe that’s leaking or spraying water, try to contain the leak as much as possible to reduce water damage.

• Towels, Buckets, or Containers: Place towels, buckets, or any available containers under the leak to catch water. If the leak is coming from a small pipe, you can use a plastic bag or a rubber sheet to temporarily stop the water flow.
• Use Duct Tape (Temporary Fix): For small, pinhole leaks, you can temporarily seal the area with duct tape. Wrap the tape tightly around the leak to slow the flow of water until our plumber can fix it properly.

These simple steps won’t fix the issue, but they will help manage the situation until professional help arrives.

4. Identify the Source of the Problem

If you can safely identify where the plumbing issue is coming from, gather relevant information for your plumber. The more details you can provide, the quicker they can assess and resolve the issue.

• Look for visible damage: Is it a burst pipe, clogged drain, or an overflowing toilet? Identifying the source will help our plumbers prepare the right tools and equipment before arriving.
• Water meter readings: If you suspect a leak but can’t see where it’s coming from, take a reading of your water meter. This can help us determine if you have a leak somewhere within the system.

When your local plumber arrives, being able to describe the problem accurately will help expedite repairs and potentially prevent unnecessary inspection time.

5. Stay Calm and Keep the Area Accessible

Plumbing emergencies can be stressful, but staying calm is essential. It’s also important to keep the area around the plumbing problem accessible so that our plumbers can quickly get to work. Move furniture or any items that could obstruct the plumbing or water flow.

• Clear the Path: Ensure the plumber has easy access to the area. If the issue is in your basement, crawl space, or under your sink, remove any obstacles that might slow down the repair process.

6. Take Photos for Insurance Purposes

If the plumbing emergency has caused significant water damage (like flooding), take photos of the damage before the plumber starts the repairs. This documentation can be helpful when filing a claim with your homeowner’s insurance company such as USAA or Liberty Mutual.

• Focus on the Damage: Take clear photos of the area affected by the leak, as well as any visible water damage on floors, walls, or furniture.
• Note the Time: Record the time the issue occurred, as insurance claims often require an accurate timeline of events.

7. Know When to Call a Professional

While there are a few minor fixes that homeowners can attempt in a DIY repair, it's always best to call a professional plumber for serious plumbing emergencies. Some issues, like a burst pipe or a clogged sewer line, can be difficult to handle without the right tools and expertise.

At Proline Plumbing and Sewer, we offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services, meaning we’re just a call away for help, no matter the time or day. If you’re unsure whether your plumbing problem requires professional help, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll assess the situation over the phone and dispatch a plumber if necessary.

8. Prevent Future Plumbing Emergencies

Once the emergency is resolved, it’s a good idea to take preventative steps to avoid future issues. Regular maintenance, such as periodic plumbing inspections, checking your sump pump, and cleaning your drains, can help keep your plumbing system in good working order. You may want to schedule an annual plumbing inspection with Proline Plumbing and Sewer to keep your home safe from future plumbing disasters.

Proline Plumbing and Sewer is here to help with all your plumbing emergencies, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you ever find yourself in need of immediate assistance, don't hesitate to call us. Our licensed plumbers are on call waiting to respond and provide efficient solutions to get your home or business’s plumbing back to normal, so you can focus on what matters most—your home and your family’s safety.

Stay prepared and remember - when a plumbing emergency strikes, do not fear. Proline Plumbing and Sewer has got you covered! Call our office to speak to a friendly member of our staff or schedule an appointment online.