A plumbing emergency can strike at any time, turning an ordinary day into a stressful situation that demands immediate attention. Whether it's a burst pipe in the middle of winter, an overflowing toilet that won't stop running, or a water heater that suddenly gives out, knowing how to respond quickly can save your home from extensive damage and save you thousands of dollars in repairs.
At Plumbing Solutions of WNC, we've helped countless homeowners throughout Henderson, Transylvania, and Buncombe Counties deal with plumbing repairs because of emergencies. This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly what immediate steps to take for emergencies, and how to be prepared before disaster strikes.
What Qualifies as a Plumbing Emergency?
Not every plumbing issue requires immediate attention, but certain situations demand quick action to prevent serious damage to your home. Generally, a plumbing emergency is any situation where water is flowing uncontrollably or when essential plumbing systems completely fail.
Common plumbing emergencies include:
- Burst pipes: Often occurring during cold weather when water freezes and expands inside pipes
- Severe leaks: Water actively spraying or steadily leaking from pipes, fixtures, or appliances
- Overflowing toilets: Especially when the water won't stop rising and threatens to flood the bathroom
- Sewer line backups: When waste water backs up into your home through drains or toilets
- Water heater failures: Particularly when they result in leaking or flooding
- Gas leaks: If you have gas lines for water heaters or other appliances and detect the smell of gas
These situations require immediate attention because water can cause significant structural damage to your home within minutes. Water damage can lead to weakened structural elements, damaged flooring and walls, and even dangerous mold growth if not addressed quickly.
Immediate Response: The First 15 Minutes
When a plumbing emergency occurs, every minute counts. Here's what you should do in the crucial first moments after discovering a plumbing emergency:
1. Shut Off the Water Supply
The single most important step in any water-related emergency is to stop the flow of water as quickly as possible. Depending on the situation, you have several options:
- Fixture shutoff valves: For isolated issues with toilets, sinks, or appliances, look for the shutoff valve on the supply line directly connected to that fixture.
- Main water shutoff valve: For major leaks or when you can't locate the source, turn off the main water supply to your entire home. This valve is typically located near where the water line enters your home, often in a basement, crawl space, or utility room. In Western North Carolina homes, it might also be located in a water meter box near the street.
Every adult in your household should know where these valves are located before an emergency occurs. Take time now to locate them and make sure they're accessible and functioning properly.
2. Cut the Power if Necessary
Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. If water is near electrical outlets, appliances, or your electrical panel:
- Turn off power to the affected areas at your circuit breaker
- If water is extensive, consider shutting off power to the entire home
- Never step into standing water until you're certain the electricity is off
3. Assess and Document the Damage
Once immediate safety concerns are addressed:
- Take photos of all visible damage for insurance purposes
- Make notes about when the issue started and what you observed
- Keep track of any emergency measures you take
4. Contain the Spread of Water
Even after shutting off the water supply, existing water can continue to spread and cause damage:
- Use towels, buckets, and mops to collect standing water
- Move valuable items, furniture, and electronics away from the affected area
- Place aluminum foil under furniture legs that can't be moved to prevent staining
Your Emergency Plumbing Kit: Be Prepared Before Disaster Strikes
Having the right tools on hand can make a significant difference in how effectively you can respond to a plumbing emergency. Consider preparing an emergency plumbing kit that includes:
- Adjustable pipe wrench: Essential for turning off stubborn valves
- Plunger: A quality plunger can resolve many toilet and drain clogs
- Bucket and towels: For containing and cleaning up water
- Duct tape and pipe repair clamps: For temporary pipe repairs
- Rubber gloves: To protect your hands during cleanup
- Flashlight and extra batteries: Plumbing emergencies often require looking into dark spaces
- Contact information: Keep your plumber's emergency number readily available
Store these items together in an easily accessible location so you're not scrambling to find tools during an emergency. The few minutes saved could prevent significant additional damage.
Temporary Fixes While Waiting for Professional Help
While waiting for professional help to arrive, there are some temporary measures you can take to minimize damage:
For Burst Pipes:
- After shutting off the water, drain the remaining water from the pipes by opening faucets.
- Clean and dry the damaged section of pipe.
- Apply pipe repair clamps or wrap the leak tightly with rubber and secure it with pipe repair tape.
For Overflowing Toilets:
- Remove the tank lid and lift the float to stop water flow.
- If that doesn't work, close the toilet's supply valve.
- If the toilet is clogged, use a plunger after the water level has decreased.
For Water Heater Leaks:
- Turn off the power supply to the water heater (gas valve or circuit breaker).
- Close the cold water supply valve to the heater.
- Drain the tank if possible by connecting a garden hose to the drain valve.
Remember, these are only temporary solutions to minimize damage until professional help arrives. They are not permanent fixes, and attempting complex repairs without proper training can often make the situation worse.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
While some minor plumbing issues can be handled with DIY approaches, true emergencies almost always require professional intervention. Contact a professional plumber immediately when:
- You can't locate or access the source of the leak
- The water flow can't be stopped with shutoff valves
- There's a risk of sewage contamination
- The issue involves gas lines (leave the premises and call both your plumber and gas company)
- The emergency involves main water lines or sewer lines
- Water damage is extensive or affects structural elements
What to Expect When You Call for Emergency Service
When you contact a plumber for an emergency service, be prepared to provide the following information:
- A clear description of the problem
- Whether you've been able to shut off the water
- The extent of any visible damage
- Any special access instructions for your property
Professional emergency plumbers typically:
- Provide an estimated arrival time
- Bring specialized equipment to address common emergencies
- Assess the situation before beginning repairs
- Explain the issue and recommended repairs before proceeding
- Offer both temporary and permanent solutions as appropriate
Preventing Future Plumbing Emergencies
While some emergencies are unavoidable, many can be prevented with proper maintenance and awareness. Consider these preventive measures:
Regular Maintenance:
- Schedule annual plumbing inspections to catch potential issues before they become emergencies
- Have your water heater serviced according to manufacturer recommendations
- Clean drains regularly to prevent serious clogs
Winter Preparation:
In Western North Carolina, freezing temperatures can lead to burst pipes. To prevent this:
- Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas
- Allow faucets to drip slightly during extremely cold weather
- Keep your home heated to at least 55°F, even when you're away
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses before winter
Know Your Plumbing System:
- Locate and label all water shutoff valves
- Understand how your water heater works and how to shut it off
- Know the age of major plumbing components and their expected lifespan
Dealing with Insurance After a Plumbing Emergency
Water damage from plumbing emergencies can be costly, but your homeowner's insurance may cover some of the expenses. To maximize your coverage:
- Document everything with photos and videos as soon as it's safe to do so
- Contact your insurance company promptly to report the damage
- Keep all receipts for emergency repairs, cleanup, and damaged items
- Get a detailed assessment from a professional plumber
Be aware that insurance typically covers sudden, accidental damage but not damage resulting from poor maintenance or gradual leaks. However, policies vary significantly, so check your specific coverage.
Conclusion: Stay Calm and Take Action
Plumbing emergencies can be stressful, but knowing how to respond can significantly reduce damage and get your home back to normal more quickly. Remember these key points:
- Act quickly to shut off the water supply
- Ensure electrical safety in wet areas
- Take measures to minimize water damage
- Document everything for insurance purposes
- Call professional help for anything beyond simple fixes
- Prepare in advance with knowledge and emergency supplies
How Plumbing Solutions of WNC can help with repairs
You need a reliable, experienced team to help with your plumbing repairs. At Plumbing Solutions of WNC:
- We offer prompt service throughout Henderson, Transylvania, and Buncombe Counties
- Our technicians are fully licensed, insured, and experienced in handling all types of plumbing emergencies
- We arrive with fully-stocked service vehicles to handle most repairs on the first visit
- We provide upfront pricing and clear explanations of all necessary repairs
- We're a local, family-owned business that truly cares about our community
- We offer emergency plumbing services during business hours to address urgent issues promptly, minimizing damage and inconvenience.
Our customers trust us because we deliver quality workmanship and exceptional service, even in emergency situations. As one satisfied customer noted:
"Ray and his team are the real deal. Prompt, professional, kind, fair, knowledgeable, personable, and eager to share that knowledge and wisdom with a fellow tradesman. I'll work with them any chance I get because I know they won't let me down, and my clients love their work too!" - Carlos Galvan
At Plumbing Solutions of WNC, we're committed to helping our neighbors through plumbing emergencies with prompt, professional service. We understand that plumbing emergencies don't just damage homes—they disrupt lives. That's why we respond quickly and work efficiently to resolve your emergency with minimal disruption.
Contact us online or at (828)-552-1385.
Business Hours:
Monday - Friday:
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday:
Closed
By Appointment Only