Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years – these three days (at least for most of us) make up some of the best times of the year. We spend time with our loved ones, many of whom we don’t see for most rest of the year. We eat food – A LOT of food – and look forward to time lounging around, only to do it all again. But a plumbing problem can ruin it all – and fast. It can be incredibly stressful when you have a house full of friends and family, and your only toilet decides, “Yeah, seems as good a time as any to kick the bucket”. So, what do you do now? Sweat, for sure, but after that, here’s what to do.
1. Stay Calm and Assess On
The first step in any plumbing emergency can sometimes be the hardest – stay calm!Panicking won’t fix the issue, but taking a moment to figure out what’s going on will. Ask yourself: is it a minor clog that can wait, or is water pouring out from a pipe? Knowing how serious the problem is will help you decide what to do next.
2. Shut Off the Water
If the issue is serious—like a burst pipe, an overflowing toilet, or a major leak—the most important step is to stop the water flow. Find your home’s main water shutoff valve (usually found near your water meter or in your basement) and turn it off. For smaller problems, like a toilet overflow, you can usually shut off the water supply valve near the fixture. Acting fast can save you from bigger messes and damage.
3. Use Temporary Fixes
For smaller plumbing problems – like a leaky faucet or a slow drain – you can use quick fixes to handle the situation and get back to celebrating. Put a bucket under a leaking pipe to catch water or use towels to soak up any water spreading on the floor. If the issue is a clogged drain, a plunger might help. These temporary solutions won’t solve the problem for good, but they’ll buy you time until a professional can step in and take a look.
4. Avoid DIY Mistakes
We know it’s tempting to jump in and fix the issue yourself, but be careful. Using harsh chemicals for clogs can damage your pipes, and attempting to fix a pipe without the proper tools can make the problem worse. Sometimes it’s better to leave it to the pros.
5. Call the Experts
When a plumbing emergency is beyond your control, it’s time to call an emergency plumber at Affordable Fixes. Our team of plumbers are ready to help, even during the holidays. We’re always here to fix your issues quickly, so you can get back to enjoying time with your family.
