Good plumbing services often offer emergency calls for those times when a plumbing problem just can’t wait. As much as we might like, leaks, clogs, and other issues don’t always choose to make themselves known during regular business hours, and because the plumbing system is so integral to your home, you might not be able to just sit on it until you can schedule an appointment. Emergency plumbing calls will get the issue fixed right away, and get your system back up to speed quickly.
But when is it appropriate to make that call? When do you need to incur the added cost of emergency plumbing? That’s a question that only individuals can answer, and it depends largely on the specific circumstances. A small leak in a single faucet likely isn’t cause for concern, but if there’s water spreading across your kitchen floor, that’s a much different situation. There are, however, certain factors that can help you guide your decision, regardless of what the actual emergency is.
Start by Shutting off the Water
Every home has a main water shut-off valve which cuts off the water supply to the whole home. Every family member should know where it is and how to use it. The minute there’s any kind of a problem with your plumbing, shut off the water to keep the issue from getting worse. In some cases, individual plumbing outlets will have their own shut-off valves that cut off water to them while keeping it running in the rest of the house. If you’re sure the problem is localized to such an outlet, you can use that valve instead of the main valve.
Determine How Long You Can Wait
In many cases, an emergency plumbing call depends on the extent of the issue and whether or not you can wait for regular hours. If the damage is localized, for example, or the issue takes place with just a few hours to go until a plumber can make a regular call, then you might not need to incur the added expense. If it brings your whole household to a halt, however, and/or if you’re going to have to wait 24 hours or more before a plumber can arrive during regular hours, it’s probably a good idea to call for an emergency plumber.
Peace of Mind Matters
In some cases, an emergency call isn’t just warranted by the specific circumstances, but can help you rest a little easier and not worry quite so much. Plumbing issues can be quite serious and if you’re trying to enjoy the weekend or get a good night’s sleep before work in the morning, you might not want to just sit around and wait. In those cases, the money spent on an emergency call helps to quell those concerns, allowing you to enjoy your free time or get some rest when you dearly need it.