Of all the numbers you should store in case of emergency, few are quite as essential as an emergency plumber. After all, a leaky faucet is easy to ignore, but a burst pipe, boiling hot shower water, or hazardous smells from your septic systems can cause expensive damage. If disaster strikes, here are three essential steps you should take immediately.

What to Do in a Plumbing Emergency

1. Call an Emergency Plumber

This is your first step because it’s the most important. When you call a reliable emergency plumber, you can speak with an expert who will recommend the best course of action while the problem is occurring. They’ll also help you avoid any dangerous situations, like water pooling around your electric water heater.

2. Shut Off Water

Shutting off the water at its source may reduce excessive damage to your home. If possible, your plumber will talk you through shutting off the water source, whether it involves turning the water valve behind your toilet or turning off the main valve that supplies water to your house. If you turn off your main valve, you may also need to open any external spigots—such as the water spigot that supplies your garden hose—to move the water away from your home and out of the compromised pipes.

3. Plug Small Leaks

Your emergency plumber will be equipped to tackle and fix larger leaks, but you can stop small leaks with rags, towels, plumber’s tape, or buckets. Point out the leaks once your plumber arrives—they’ll address your problems in order of highest priority.

Plumbing emergencies can feel hectic, which is why you should always be prepared. Enjoy a valuable sense of peace of mind by keeping the phone number of a trusted emergency plumber saved in your phone.

When disaster strikes, you want only the best at your side, which is why homeowners in Edgewood, KY, trust Lonneman Plumbing. This team of plumbing contractors boasts over 45 years of experience in services such as water heater repair, drain cleaning, and sump pump maintenance. To speak with an emergency plumber, call (859) 341-7755, or follow their latest updates on Facebook.