Your plumbing system is a vast network of interconnected pipes, drains, and faucets, and something is bound to go wrong eventually. You can’t completely avoid a plumbing emergency, but you can be prepared enough to minimize the damage. Putnam Plumbing provides the Cookeville, TN, area reliable 24/7 emergency service, but there are a few things you can do on your own. Here’s their advice on how to best handle a plumbing emergency.

4 Steps to Handling a Plumbing Emergency

1. Turn Off the Water

Whether the problem is a burst pipe or backed up sewer drain, the first thing you need to do is turn off the water. Even small leaks will cause major damage to the floor and walls, and the sooner you stop the flow, the better. If you know where the leak is, turn the water off for that specific fixture. If the leak is in a main pipe or turning off the fixture’s water doesn’t work, shut off the main water supply valve.

2. Assess the Problem

Once the water is off, you have time to take a breath and evaluate the situation. Consider how much water has leaked, where it is, and if it caused noticeable damage. Gather as many details as you can to pass onto the plumber. They’ll be able to work faster and more efficiently when they go into the job knowing exactly what to expect.

3. Call the Water Company

In some cases, homeowners aren’t responsible for plumbing repairs. Sewer backups, some drainage problems, and issues with the main water line are sometimes jobs for the water company. Before you commit to paying a plumber, call the water company to see what they say.

4. Call the Right Plumber

If the emergency isn’t something the water company can fix, it’s up to you to contact a plumbing service you trust to get the job done right. Do your research and ask friends and neighbors for recommendations. You’ll want a plumber that will work quickly at an affordable price. Above all, the problem needs to be fixed on the first try.

If you find yourself faced with a plumbing emergency, don’t panic. Putnam Plumbing is always available to get your property back in working order. Call them at (931) 520-3569 or visit their website for more information.