Emergency plumbing situations are going to happen. It’s a simple, but worrisome truth. A dripping faucet might catch your eye when you walk through your home. At that moment, you might put it on a “to-do” list for tightening and replacing the old gasket or washer. This is a pretty common situation, not a cause for panic. However, the professionals at Barner Murphy have seen how a burst pipe or overflowing toilet can fluster even the most composed individual. 

Woah!

It feels like a burst pipe or overflowing toilet happens at the worst possible time. How do you stay calm and take action to minimize potential damage until a professional arrives? First, don’t start fretting. There is a natural tendency to lose it when water starts filling a space. 

First things first: TURN OFF THE WATER. This quickly stops the water flow, so things don’t get worse.

Tip: The shutoff valve for your toilet is usually behind the bowl near the waterline connection.

For a burst pipe, you’ll need to turn off the house’s main water valve, typically near your water meter.

Take a deep breath. Use your eyes, ears, and nose to feel out the situation. Also, think back. Both pipes and toilets may have warranties that can help, at least financially.

Burst Pipe? Overflowing Toilet: Stay Calm and Take the Next Step

Take the information you’ve gathered and call for service. Some companies have specific charges for “emergency” repairs and repairs at odd hours. Make sure to ask, check for insurance, and inquire if they guarantee their work. You can trust Barner Murphy to respond quickly to your problem and give you an itemized, fair estimate. While waiting for help to arrive, do what you can to clear away excess water.

Do it Yourself?

Some people may feel tempted to “do it yourself” when faced with a burst pipe or overflowing toilet. Even if the thought helps calm you, ask yourself - do you really know anything about plumbing, especially emergency situations? This isn’t the time for dabbling. You can easily make things worse than they already are. Plus, your DIY work has no warranty for the years ahead.

Let us Help You

The team at Barner Murphy has 20 years of successful industry experience. By turning off the water and cleaning up a bit, you’ve done all you can without specialized tools and knowledge. Now it’s time to give us a call (215-945-8650). Our staff is happy to answer any questions you may have and put you on our schedule as soon as possible. 

Even when you don’t have a plumbing emergency, it’s good to have a trusted plumber in your speed dial. By having regular check-ups, our team can often find little things that could lead to bigger things later. In other words, you nip the potential for water problems before they happen. It’s the best line of defense for a healthy household system.

If you’re in the Levittown, PA, area, and you’d like to detail your needs but don’t have a pressing plumbing emergency, try our online contact form and let us know your situation.