A Step-by-Step Guide of What to Do During a Plumbing Emergency in Lansing

When you have a major plumbing problem, like a burst pipe or a leaking water heater or a broken sewer line, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and panic. However, the best thing you can do is try to stay calm and follow the steps outlined in this guide…

1. Quickly Assess the Situation 
   Do your best to answer the question: “What’s wrong?” It’s important to try to get a sense of what’s happening so you can make good decisions and get the right kind of help.
   
   
2. Shut Off the Water Supply
   If the problem is localized, like an individual sink faucet or a toilet, you can often shut the water off right there. Otherwise, you’ll want to locate your main water shut-off valve and shut off the water coming into your home. This is typically located in the basement, but if it isn’t (or your home doesn’t have a basement) it may be in the garage, utility room, crawlspace, or outside by the water meter.
   If water continues to come out of the affected area after you have turned it off, open the lowest faucet in the house to help drain residual pressure in the system.
   
   
3. Address Safety Hazards
   If water is leaking near outlets, appliances, or the electrical panel, turn off electricity at the main breaker to avoid electrical shock or fire. Always avoid using electrical devices in or near flooded areas.
   
   
4. Contain and Minimize Damage
   Soak up water with towels and mops, or a wet/dry vac, if needed. Move furniture, electronics, rugs, collectibles, and other valuables to a dry area.
   
   
5. Call for Help
   Contact a local Lansing emergency plumber in your area right away! Explain what the problem seems to be and inform them of any steps you have taken so far to address the damage. They will use the information you provide to send out the right crew to fix your emergency plumbing problem. They will typically give you an estimated timeframe of when to expect someone on site.
   
   
6. Document Everything
   While you’re waiting for a plumber to arrive, take pictures and videos of the damaged areas before any repair, cleanup, or restoration work begins. (You may need these for an insurance claim later.)
   
   
7. Clean Up and Restore the Affected Area
   Remove any affected home materials that cannot be restored and dispose of them. Then, begin cleanup protocols to dry out the affected area(s) to minimize the likelihood of mold growth. If you’ve experienced significant damage, ask your plumber for a recommendation on a good restoration company to use. They will often have someone that they work with in these types of situations whose work they can vouch for professionally.

When you have a plumbing emergency, give us a call at 1 (800) 674-9130. Our team of experienced emergency plumbers in Lansing can come out right away 24/7/365 to get your plumbing problem fixed.