Serving Round Lake & 
A water disaster like a burst pipe or overflowing toilet should prompt you to take immediate action. Use these practical tips for what to do before your professional plumber arrives for your home’s plumbing emergency in Round Lake, IL.
Shut Off the Water Supply
Before the plumber arrives, you should shut off the main water valve for your home. Allowing water to continue running will only worsen the disaster. It will also make the water damage to your home worse. Most main water valves are in the basement, crawlspace, utility room or exterior wall.
Drain the Faucets
You should also turn on the faucets to drain any water remaining in them. Draining the faucets makes it easier for plumbers to start the repairs immediately. It also eliminates the risk of further water damage to your home.
Turn Off the Electrical Appliances
To prevent the risk of electrocution, you should turn off your home’s electrical appliances if possible. If the water has surrounded or flooded these appliances, however, don’t risk unplugging them. Instead, wait for the plumber to arrive and pump out the water before turning off these appliances.
Move Furniture and Personal Belongings
As you wait for your plumber to arrive, focus on moving furniture and personal belongings out of the way. Move them to another floor in your house or relocate them temporarily to the yard or garage. This tip frees up room for the plumber to work and also prevents your furniture and belongings from being damaged.
Contain the Leak
If the emergency stems from a pipe leak that needs expert pipe repair, or leak from an appliance like a water heater, try to contain it. Use buckets or pans to catch water from the leak. Also, use towels to keep the area as dry as possible. This measure makes it easier for the plumber to start the repairs.
Clear the Area
Along with containing the leak, try to clear the area where the plumber must work. You may need to pull out the appliance, if possible, to help the plumber reach the leaky or burst pipe. If the leak occurs in your basement, move boxes and totes to make it easier for the plumber to reach the leak.
Communicate With Your Neighbors and Family Members
If you live in an apartment or shared building, inform your neighbors about the plumbing emergency. They may need to take measures like turning off their main water valves to prevent a similar disaster in their apartments or units. Likewise, tell your family members to avoid visiting your home until the plumber fixes the problem.
Take Photos
Before the plumber arrives, take photos of the water emergency. Your insurer may need the photos when you file a claim. They will make it easier for the adjuster to determine the extent of the damage and speed up payment for repair contractors.
Avoid Using Other Plumbing Fixtures
Avoid using other plumbing fixtures before the plumber arrives. Using the toilet, another sink, the bathtub or the shower could result in sewage backing up into your home. It also adds to the time and expense of repairing the plumbing disaster.
Ventilate the Area
You should ventilate the area where the water disaster occurs. Ventilating the area minimizes moisture buildup, which can cause mildew and algae to grow. Ventilation also dries out the area, making it safer for the plumber to work. It additionally helps protect the air quality inside your home and prevents musty odors.
Protect the Floor
A plumbing emergency can ruin the plywood under and carpeting on your floors. Before the plumber arrives, take steps to protect the flooring. These measures can involve laying down tarps or plastic sheets to prevent water from soaking in and ruining the floors. It can also involve blowing a box fan over the floors to keep them dry.
Wear Protective Gear
You should also protect yourself during a plumbing emergency. The water leaking from your toilet or a pipe under the sink can be contaminated with bacteria and fungi. Wear gloves and a face mask to avoid coming into direct contact with dirty water that can make you sick.
Turn Off the Gas Supply
You may also need to turn off the gas supply during a plumbing emergency. This tip is especially important if your gas water heater has a leak. If you don’t know how to turn off the gas, you may need to call the gas company in Round Lake to handle this task for you.
Review Your Warranty Information
If you have a home warranty or a warranty on appliances like your dishwasher or water heater, review it to find out if or how much of the repairs it will cover. You may need documentation from the plumber to submit to the warranty company for reimbursement.
Contain Your Pets
Pets can get in the way of your plumber working. To keep them safe and to help the plumber work faster and more efficiently, contain your pets. If you can’t keep them in a bedroom or bathroom, consider having a friend or relative keep them until the plumber finishes the repairs.
Prepare a List of Questions
Know what questions to ask the plumber before they arrive. You may need to find out what caused the burst pipe or leak. You may also need tips on how to prevent this kind of water disaster from happening again in the future. Write your questions down or make a list on your phone’s notepad.
Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
As you watch the water leak, you may feel overwhelmed and helpless. Rather than give in to those emotions, take action by gathering your cleaning supplies. You can attain a certain measure of control by preparing yourself to clean up after the plumber finishes the repairs.
Keep an Accurate Record
Before the plumber shows up, make a record of what happened. Write down or make a mental note of what time the plumbing emergency started, what happened before it took place and how extensive it has grown since you first called the plumbing service. This information can help the plumber determine the best course of action to repair or replace the affected plumbing fixtures.
Look for Secondary Leaks
While you focused all of your attention on the main plumbing emergency, a secondary one might occur elsewhere in your home or out in your yard. Inspect other plumbing fixtures, especially those that are connected to each other, to look for a secondary leak. This ensures the plumber repairs all of the leaks at the same time.
Rely on Us During Plumbing Emergencies
At Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Cooling, we have more than 30 years of experience helping homeowners in Round Lake, IL during plumbing emergencies. We have 24/7 emergency plumbing services available and have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Our company also has positive reviews on home service websites like Angi. Contact Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Cooling for prompt service during a plumbing emergency.
