How to Hire a Plumber for Emergency Repairs

When a pipe bursts or some other piece of plumbing malfunctions, our first instinct is to get the problem under control as soon as possible. The longer such an issue goes on, the harder it will be to repair. Not only will the issue be harder to fix, if left unaddressed, the problem could result in hundreds to thousands of dollars in property damage and water usage fees. Because time is of the essence during a plumbing emergency, we feel pressured to make a repair decision as soon as possible, without giving ourselves time to weigh our options completely.

Stop. Take a deep breath. Relax.

The truth is you really do have time to make an informed decision about the best way to handle your plumbing problem. There are some simple, but effective preventive measures that you can take to safeguard yourself and your home against damage and loss. Knowing what to do and what to look for are key to getting the kind of service you’d expect from a repair professional.

The first and possibly most important step that you can take to minimize damage is to turn off the water supply at the source of the problem. If your problem is a busted pipe spewing water, you can turn off the water supply to the house by using the shut off valve provided by your water department. This valve is usually located somewhere in your yard, under a rectangular shaped lid that also contains your water meter. You will need a wrench to do this. If you have a more localized problem, such as a toilet or water heater that is leaking, you can turn off the water supply to these separately. A toilet shut off valve is usually an oval shaped handle, located near the base of the toilet. A water heater’s shut off valve is located next to the water pipes.

After you’ve shut off water to the problem, locating a reputable plumber is the next step. You might want to make a quick call to a few friends or family members to see if they can recommend anyone to you. An online search with review sites like Yelp.com and other local directories can help turn up more prospects. Ideally, you want to find a plumber with plenty of positive reviews. Remember that in most states, plumbers are required to serve an apprenticeship prior to getting their own license, so years of experience might be harder to ascertain based on years licensed alone. Ads you find may advertise certain specialties which will help you narrow the field. Once you have a few names, give them a call and get quotes on the repair in question. It’s a good idea to inquire about warranties on their work as well as satisfaction guarantees. If you have the time, it is also wise to investigate any professionals you may hire through the Better Business Bureau.

Be aware that most plumbers charge a hefty fee for working after hours and on holidays. Some charge mileage and other fees on top of their hourly fee. Inquiring about all this beforehand can help avoid expensive surprises when the bill comes.

Of course, in an ideal world, you’ll already have the names of a few trusted repair professionals that you can call on before an emergency happens. A little foresight can go a long way in these matters. After all, it’s your house and you don’t want to trust it to just anyone – especially when botched repairs can cost a lot of money and cause a lot of heartache down the road.