What To Do Before The Arrival Of Emergency Plumbers

When a plumbing emergency occurs, time is of the essence. Water leaking where it shouldn’t can quickly turn your peaceful home into a chaotic environment. Your actions before the plumber arrives are vital in reducing damage and preparing for an efficient resolution. In this blog, we’ll outline essential steps to effectively manage a plumbing crisis, ensuring you can get your home back to normal as quickly as possible.

The first thing you need to do is assess the severity of the problem. Is it a leaking tap or is water gushing out from under your sink? Identifying the source and understanding whether the issue is localised (like a single overflowing toilet) or widespread (affecting multiple fixtures) is crucial. 

A quick and accurate assessment can help you communicate the problem effectively to your plumber, ensuring they come prepared. Remember, the faster you act, the less damage you’ll likely face.

Knowing how to shut off your home’s main water supply can be a game-changer in emergency plumbing situations. Here’s what you should do:

• Locate your main water valve, which is typically near the water meter.
• Turn it off to stop the flow of water and prevent further damage.
• If specific fixtures are affected, such as a toilet or sink, turn off the valves near these points.

This step is crucial in scenarios like burst pipes or when an appliance like a dishwasher leaks profusely. Stopping the water flow protects your property from additional damage and makes the area safer for the plumber.

Before help arrives, ensure the affected area is as clear and accessible as possible:

• Remove personal items: Towels, bathmats, storage units and any other belongings should be removed from the problem area.
• Clean up any water: If it’s safe, mop up standing water to prevent slips and limit water damage to your property.
• Ensure good lighting: If the area is dimly lit, set up a lamp or switch on as many lights as possible to illuminate the workspace for the plumber.

A clear workspace allows quicker diagnostics and repairs, helping to resolve your plumbing emergency faster.

While waiting for the plumber, take some time to document the issue:

• Photograph or video the damage: Visual records of the leak, burst pipe or any other problem can be invaluable for insurance claims and for the plumber to assess the situation beforehand.
• Record what happened: Note when the problem started and any actions taken (like shutting off the water). This information will help your plumber understand the history of the issue.

Documentation is a proactive step to streamline the repair process and aid in any potential insurance claims later.

At GPS Plumbing, Drainage and Gasfitting, we understand how stressful plumbing emergencies can be. Our emergency plumbers in Dubbo are ready to assist you 24/7, ensuring quick and effective solutions to your plumbing problems. Don’t wait for a minor issue to become a major disaster; contact us today!