Plumbing Emergencies in Chicagoland

Do you worry about what would happen in the event of a plumbing emergency in your home? Or perhaps you’ve encountered a plumbing emergency in Chicagoland before, but didn’t know how to stop the problem in time to prevent damage?

Plumbing emergencies can quickly cause you to panic, but if you know what to do in advance, then it’s much easier to stay calm and tackle the problem head on. We’re going to walk you through what to do immediately, when to call a plumber, how to identify and react to common problems, and how to prevent problems, so you always know what to do in an emergency!

The Chicagoland Plumbing Emergency Checklist

The second you realize that a problem has arisen with your plumbing, you need to act quickly. If you’re not 100% sure of the source of the plumbing problem, here’s a simple checklist that’ll help you to prevent as much damage as possible:

• Switch Off the Water – It’s vital that you turn the water off as quickly as possible. Do this by either turning off the main water valve or turning off the closest valve to the source of the problem.
• Switch Off Your Water Heater – Failure to turn off your water heater could result in it getting damaged. Make sure you switch off the water supply and power supply.
• Open Outdoor Spigots – Opening the spigots outside your property will get rid of any water left in the pipes.

Call an Emergency Plumber in Chicagoland – 630-960-5950

Unless you have any prior plumbing knowledge, then most plumbing emergencies will result in a call to the professionals. Plumbing problems can quickly progress into large problems, so the sooner you call a plumber in Chicagoland, the better!

Once you’ve checked the essentials off the list, if there’s nothing more you feel that you can do, then make the call to Arco Plumbing. It’s a smart move to save our number in your phone in case of a plumbing emergency – 630-960-5950.

By calling a plumber quickly, you’ll be able to get expert advice on what to do next as you wait for back up to arrive, potentially saving you a lot of money on repairs!

In some emergencies, you may be able to do more to reduce the risk of further damage or even solve the emergency altogether – the more you know, the easier it is to react quickly in the event of a plumbing emergency in Chicagoland.

Common Plumbing Emergencies and What to Do

Not all plumbing emergencies are immediately dangerous, but some are. Here are six common plumbing emergencies, what to do if they arise, and when you’ll need to call for back up:

Gas Leaks

Few plumbing emergencies are more serious than gas leaks. The second you suspect a gas leak, and only if it’s safe to do so, turn off the main valve. Extinguish any flames, don’t adjust any electrical switches, open the windows, and leave the premises. As soon as you’re safe, call the experts!

Burst and Leaking Pipes

There’s very little that you can do in the event of a burst or leaking pipe, other than turning off the main water valve. As soon as the valve is off, you’ll need to call a Chicagoland plumber. If the pipes have frozen, inspect them for damage and follow the same protocol for a burst or leaking pipe if you notice any problem areas.

Backed Up Sewers

If you notice a nasty smell coming from your drains or when you run water from a faucet, then it definitely constitutes an emergency! Fouls smells often indicate a sewage problem, or a serious issue with your sump pump or septic system. You should always call a plumber in the event of sewage-type smells in your home, as DIY fixes can make the problem worse.

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are a very common plumbing problem that you can often solve yourself. All you’ll need to remedy most cases of a blocked drain is a plunger. Without using any chemicals, try and remove the clog yourself with the plunger, aiming to remove enough of the block in the system to get the water draining again.

If using a plunger doesn’t fix the problem or if the water is still draining very slowly, you’ll need to call a plumber.

Broken Toilets

A broken toilet can be a nuisance, but it’s not the end of the world! Just like with a clogged sink, a plunger is the best tool in your arsenal for toilet blockages. If the toilet is running, check the overflow valve, flapper seal, flapper chain, and fill valve to see if there are any problems.

It’s best to contact a plumber if you can’t identify the problem yourself, if the toilet is leaking seriously, or if you can’t remove the clog.

Water Heater Leaks

If your water heater is leaking, then it can quickly start to damage the surrounding area. Turn off water and power supply to the heater, along with the main water valve as an additional precaution. Once power to the heater and gas supply (if you have a gas heater) have been shut off, you can start to drain the heater. If you aren’t comfortable draining the heater, you’ll need to call a plumber.

How to Prevent Plumbing Emergencies

You can avoid many plumbing emergencies in Chicagoland with the right know-how. Here are ten top tips to prevent common plumbing problems:

1. Keep fat out of your drains
2. Get small problems fixed quickly
3. Check regularly for signs of leaks
4. Schedule professional water heater maintenance
5. Insulate water pipes
6. Replace damaged fixtures and faucets
7. Clean drains regularly
8. Replace old pipes
9. Keep your home warm to prevent pipes freezing
10. Know where the valves are in your home

Knowing what to do when faced with a plumbing emergency in Chicagoland can make the whole ordeal a lot easier! If you ever need an emergency plumbing response in the event of a plumbing problem or if you’d like to book an inspection for your plumbing, get in touch to with Arco Plumbing in Westmont, Illinois immedeiately at 630-960-5950 !

Last Updated on June 27, 2019 by Arco Plumbing Services