Emergency Plumbing Services
Your plumbing never takes time off. You expect to be able to use it at any moment, day or night ― which means that a plumbing emergency can occur at any moment, day or night. When this happens, you need a reliable emergency plumber who can provide you with the fast plumbing services you need right away.
1st Time Customers
Expires April 26, 2025
If you find yourself having a plumbing emergency after hours, turn to the team at Staggs Plumbing. We provide plumbing repairs day or night.
What Is Considered Emergency Plumbing Service?
If you think it’s an emergency, it probably is. More specifically, a plumbing emergency is an issue that could cause significant damage to your home, that’s dangerous to your health, or that leaves you without facilities. Whether you have a broken pipe, a broken hot water heater, an overflowing toilet, or clogged drains, rest assured that Staggs Plumbing has you covered 24/7.
Common plumbing emergencies we handle include:
- Burst pipes
- Water leaks
- Broken faucets
- Overflowing or running toilets
- Dishwasher leaks
- Sewer pipe leaks
- Clogged drains
- Water heater issues
- Gas pipe leaks
When you’re in need of quick and reliable plumbing services, make Staggs Plumbing your first call. We’ll send an emergency plumber out ASAP to assess the situation and provide you with a cost-effective solution and have your plumbing flowing smoothly again in no time.
Emergency Plumbing Tips from Staggs Plumbing
When plumbing emergencies strike, having the right knowledge and quick action can make all the difference. We understand that plumbing problems can be stressful, which is why we’ve compiled this list of essential emergency plumbing tips to help you navigate through unexpected situations. Remember, safety is a priority, so if you’re not comfortable handling the issue yourself, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber.
- Shut Off the Water: In case of a major leak or burst pipe, the first step is to shut off the water supply. Locate the main water shut-off valve for your home and make sure everyone in your household knows its location. This will prevent further water damage and give you time to address the issue.
- Use Plungers: Clogs can cause backups and overflows, leading to messy situations. Keep a plunger handy for toilets and sinks. Ensure you’re using the right type of plunger and create a proper seal before plunging. This can often dislodge minor clogs and restore normal flow.
- Know Your DIY Limits: While it’s tempting to tackle plumbing issues on your own, it’s important to recognize your limits. Some problems, such as major pipe repairs or sewer line issues, require professional expertise. Attempting complex repairs without the necessary skills can worsen the situation.
- Turn Off the Water Heater: If you’re dealing with a burst pipe or major leak, turn off your water heater to prevent potential damage or overheating. Most water heaters have a shut-off valve. If you’re unsure, consult your water heater’s manual or call a professional.
- Address Small Leaks Promptly: Even minor leaks can escalate quickly and cause significant damage over time. Fix dripping faucets, small leaks under sinks, and running toilets as soon as you notice them. Timely attention can save you from larger problems down the road.
- Use Temporary Fixes: In emergencies, temporary fixes can help minimize damage until a professional arrives. Use materials like plumber’s tape or pipe clamps to temporarily seal leaks. However, remember that these fixes are not a permanent solution.
- Keep Essential Tools on Hand: Having a basic toolkit with items like a wrench, pliers, plumber’s tape, and pipe clamps can help you manage minor plumbing issues until a professional arrives.
- Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners: Chemical drain cleaners can be harsh on your pipes and may not always effectively clear clogs. They can also be hazardous to handle. Opt for mechanical solutions like plungers or drain snakes, or consult a professional for stubborn clogs.
- Prevent Frozen Pipes: During cold weather, prevent frozen pipes by insulating them properly and maintaining a consistent indoor temperature. If pipes do freeze, gently thaw them using warm air or towels soaked in warm water – avoid using open flames.
- Regular Maintenance Matters: The best way to handle plumbing emergencies is to prevent them in the first place. Regular maintenance can catch potential issues early, saving you from unexpected emergencies. Consider scheduling annual plumbing inspections with professionals like Staggs Plumbing.
At Staggs Plumbing, we’re dedicated to providing you with expert plumbing services and advice. While these emergency tips can be valuable, remember that professional assistance is just a phone call away. Our experienced team is ready to help you navigate through any plumbing crisis. Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities. Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities. For more information on when to call for urgent assistance, check out our blog on Why You Should Call an Emergency Plumber.
What To Do In A Plumbing Emergency
Fixing Burst Pipes
If there is a water leak because of a burst pipe, you should turn off the water at the street meter ASAP. It’s usually under a circular metal cover about 12 to 18 inches in diameter out near the sidewalk. If you can do this before we arrive, this will help reduce the damage caused to your home.
To do this, you will need two simple tools that you can pick up at your local hardware store. They are inexpensive and can save you from having extensive water damage.
The first tool, to remove the water meter lid, is a water meter box lid key. Some lids have a simple locking mechanism to prevent accidental or unwanted tampering with the water meter. Other lids may not have any sort of locking mechanism, so you can usually get the lid off with a big flat blade screwdriver. You can buy a box lid key from places like Lowes or Home Depot.
The second tool is what you use to turn off the water supply to the house. It is called a curb key.
You can also buy a combination curb key and meter box key; however, it requires more physical effort to use as it’s harder to get the leverage needed to turn the water meter valve off or on.
Take off the water meter box lid and place the lid to one side. Some water utility companies wire up the meters to assist with taking readings and will have a wire connected from the meter to the lid. Make sure that if there is a wire attached to place it gently to one side without breaking the wire.
Next, put your curb key on the shut-off valve and turn clockwise until you feel it stop. It normally turns 180 degrees between fully on and fully off.
In the event that you don’t have a curb key, ask one of your neighbors. Chances are they have one in the garage in case of emergencies.
Repairing Broken Faucets
If you think that the faucet has broken and won’t shut off, you should be able to shut off the water supply via one of the shut-off valves located under the sink. That will prevent further water loss and damage. There will be two shut-off valves under the sink. One for hot, and the other for cold water supply lines. Turn them both off and wait for us to arrive to fix the issue.
Stopping Overflowing or Running Toilets
If your toilet is constantly running or has started to overflow, there are some things you can check. However, in the event you’re not sure what to do, there will be a cold water shut-off valve on the wall behind the toilet. Turn it clockwise until the water stops running in the toilet. After the water has stopped, call a professional plumber!
Fixing a Dishwasher Leak
In rare situations, the water inlet valve breaks down and can stay open, filling up the dishwasher tub nonstop. Find the shut-off valve that controls the water supply into the dishwasher. It may be a cold or hot water supply line depending on the type of dishwasher.
Turn the water supply valve to the off position by rotating it clockwise until the flow of the water stops.
Call Now for Emergency Plumbing!
Staggs Plumbing is guaranteed to provide you with the most efficient and reasonably priced plumbing solutions for any predicament. Available six days a week, we are acutely aware of your distress during emergencies, and therefore do our very best to arrive promptly at your house or place of business during normal business hours.