There’s no good time for a plumbing emergency to happen, but they seem to strike when you’re least prepared to deal with them. If you come home from work or wake up to find a clogged toilet, broken water pipe, or any other disaster, knowing what to do can prevent major water damage and expensive repair bills. Here is a guide to the vital steps you should take if you walk into a disaster.

4 Things to Do During a Plumbing Emergency

1. Move Valuables Out of the Way

If your toilet is backing up, your water heater springs a leak, or a pipe has burst, the water can quickly destroy heirlooms, electronics, and other valuables. The first order of business is preventing further damage by moving all your important property out of the way.

2. Turn Off the Water

If your emergency involves a water leak, turn off water to the house as soon as possible. In some cases, this might be the only way to prevent water damage, which can be difficult and expensive to repair.

3. Shut Off Your Water Heater

Some plumbing emergencies can result in a dramatic drop in water pressure, draining your water heater and causing the unit to overheat. This could potentially cause a fire, so shut off the breaker until the plumber shows up.

4. Call a Professional

Many reputable plumbers offer 24/7 emergency service, so you don’t have to wait until business hours to get the help you need. Getting the problem fixed sooner rather than later can minimize the cost and damage of your emergency.

With around-the-clock emergency service and a reputation for going above and beyond, you can trust Joseph G Michel & Sons with all your plumbing emergencies. They’ve been serving businesses and homeowners throughout West Haven, CT, for over 80 years while building a reputation for professionalism and prompt service. Visit their website for an overview of their services, and call their offices at (203) 933-7931 anytime if you need help with a plumbing disaster.