Sudden leaks and broken plumbing fixtures can cause extensive water damage, so it’s important to act quickly. While awaiting a plumber, here are a few steps to follow that will help prevent water damage and save money on repairs.

What to Do During a Plumbing Emergency

1. Turn Off the Water

Whether the issue is a leaking sink, overflowing toilet, or broken pipe, turn off the water right away. Find the valve behind the fixture or below the sink and turn it counterclockwise to shut it off. If this doesn’t work, locate the main valve outside of the home, usually next to the electrical meter, and turn it clockwise. If these steps don’t work, contact the utility company and ask them to temporarily cut water service to your house.

2. Clear Standing Water

Next, soak up as much standing water as you can with towels, or use a water pump if you have one. The longer the water sits, the more damage it will do to your baseboards and flooring. 

3. Ventilate & Dry

Even with no visible water left, you still need to dry the area. Water that has seeped into flooring will continue to damage the foundation beneath.

Turn on your ceiling fans, open windows, and place box fans in the room. Removing moisture will mitigate water damage and prevent mold growth, which can cause flu-like symptoms and allergic reactions in family members.

If you’re looking for an emergency plumber on Oahu, contact A-1 Budget Plumbing. They’ve provided fast response times since 1986 and tackle a variety of plumbing needs, including drain cleaning, appliance installation, and general repairs. Call (808) 526-3747 to schedule an appointment, or learn more about the company’s offerings online. You can also connect on Facebook for more plumbing tips.