The phrase “plumbing emergency” strikes fear into the heart of every homeowner. These unpredictable disasters require a fast and deliberate response to control the damage and prevent even more serious problems. Plymouth Plumbing & Heating is your 24-hour plumber near me in Plymouth and Sheboygan with the tools, skills, knowledge, and experience to handle the most dire plumbing emergencies.

When you are facing a plumbing emergency of any type in your home, don’t hesitate and don’t panic. Take the following steps to mitigate the disaster before contacting our 24-hour plumbing service for repairs.

Turn Off Your Water at the Source

A serious plumbing emergency will only become swiftly worse if the water keeps running. Household plumbing contains water at a significant pressure, which can force an incredible amount of water throughout your home in a short period of time. Shutting off the water at the main source keeps this water from flowing and causing untold damage; plus, it will be necessary for your 24-hour emergency plumber to begin addressing the cause of your problem and making repairs.

Look for your home’s water cutoff valve near the front of your home, usually encased underneath a metal or plastic cover. Turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water flow completely. Other possible locations can be in your garage, in an interior front closet, or closer to the road near the water meter.

Try to Contain the Damage

Water follows the path of least resistance, so it can run virtually anywhere. Try to contain the water flow as much as possible, and as quickly as possible, using anything you have at hand. Even small amounts of water can penetrate cracks and crevices and do serious damage, including setting up harmful mold.

Use buckets to catch running water under a sink or dripping pipe, emptying it frequently. Try to soak up pooled or flowing water with towels, blankets, or a shop vac designed for sucking up water. Remove all wet items outdoors promptly and place dry items down to keep soaking up as much water as possible. Place fans to direct air at wet areas to help speed the drying process and prevent mold and mildew.

Search for the Source of the Problem

Many emergency plumbing issues will be obvious. Some of the most common and readily noticeable include:

• Frozen or burst pipes
• Leaking pipes
• Clogs and water backflow
• Sewage blockages

Usually, a quick visual inspection will reveal the source of the issue and how you need to mitigate the damage. However, if you cannot readily spot the problem (such as with a hidden pipe break or leak), look for symptoms that can point to the general location. Follow the path of flowing water or investigate any wet spots on walls, ceilings, or floors. Make a note of what you find so you can inform the 24-hour emergency plumber when they arrive.

Shut Off Power If Needed

Water and electricity are a dangerous and deadly combination. If your plumbing emergency is near an electrical source, such as a light switch, outlet, or electrical device, shut off the power to that area. This can be as simple as removing the devices in question and flipping the appropriate breaker in your circuit panel. Always be sure to keep the power off while cleaning up water and water damage to prevent electrical shock.

Contact a 24-Hour Emergency Plumbing Service Immediately

The professional 24-hour emergency plumbers at Plymouth Plumbing & Heating have the tools, skills, knowledge, and experience to make swift, reliable repairs to your home when a plumbing emergency strikes. Our technicians bring a wide variety of components and specialty tools to correct virtually any problem. Don’t risk more serious damage to your home from water and plumbing mistakes — call a 24-hour plumber near me that offers reliable emergency services in Plymouth, Sheboygan, and the surrounding areas for professional repairs you can trust.