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Few household emergencies cause as much panic as the need for immediate plumbing repair. A clogged drain can shut down your sink or shower, an overflowing toilet is a ghastly mess, and a burst pipe can flood your home quickly. If you don’t seek immediate repairs, it can lead to larger issues in the future. If a plumbing emergency does arise, the steps below will help you stay safe and in control.

What to Do When You Need Emergency Plumbing Repair

1. Close the Main Water Valve

The best first step in almost any plumbing crisis is to shut off water to the house. You can normally find your main water valve in the basement or in a utility room. It's often on the wall facing your street and usually feeds directly into the water tank. If the handle is the traditional type, turn it clockwise to shut off water flow. If it is a blade handle, turn it so that the handle is crosswise to the pipe.

2. Shut Off the Water Heater

Because the water heater will not refill with the water valve closed, you need to shut it down. Otherwise, the burner could cause the empty tank to overheat. Meanwhile, warn your family not to shower, do laundry, or wash dishes until the plumbing repairs are completed. 

3. Stop Minor Leaks

plumbing repair If you spot small leaks, do your best to address them, even if the measures are only temporary. If you have plumber's tape, also called thread seal or Teflon tape, wrap it around the pipe over the cracked area. It is waterproof and normally used to seal thread gaps where pipes join together. If you don’t have waterproof tape, wrap the leak in rags to soak up as much moisture as possible and bind it with any kind of tape. Place a bucket underneath the leak to catch any drips and minimize the water damage until the plumber arrives. 

4. Call an Emergency Plumber

You should always keep the number for a plumber you trust on speed dial in case you ever need emergency plumbing repair. Provide them with as much information about the problem as you can so they can bring the right equipment and tools. 


When you need an emergency plumber to conduct plumbing repair, contact Lonneman Plumbing in Edgewood, KY. They offer both residential and commercial services to clients throughout Kenton County and Northern Kentucky. They specialize in sump pump, water heater, faucet, and garbage disposal repair, along with drain cleaning and leak proofing. Visit their website to reach out online or call (859) 341-7755 to schedule emergency services.

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