If you’ve ever experienced a plumbing emergency—whether it’s a burst pipe, clogged toilet, or water heater malfunction—you know how overwhelming it can be. When the unexpected happens, it’s crucial to act quickly to minimize damage. At Point Breeze Plumbing Experts, we specialize in emergency plumbing repairs in the Point Breeze, Graduate Hospital, Grays Ferry, and Southwest Philly areas, providing fast and reliable service when you need it most.
While it’s always best to call a licensed plumber to fix serious issues, there are a few things you can do in the meantime to help mitigate damage until help arrives.
🚰 1. What to Do If You Have a Burst Pipe
A burst pipe can cause significant water damage in just minutes. Here’s how you can control the situation:
- Shut off your water supply: Locate the main water shutoff valve for your home (often in the basement or near the water meter) and turn it off immediately to stop the flow of water.
- Turn off electrical appliances: If water is near electrical outlets or appliances, turn off the power to avoid any electrical hazards.
- Contain the water: Use towels, buckets, or a wet vac to collect any water leaking out of the pipe until our expert plumbers arrive.
In Graduate Hospital, we recently responded to a water leak caused by an old pipe that finally burst due to freezing temperatures. Our team was able to repair the pipe and prevent further damage, but it could’ve been much worse without that quick action.
🚽 2. Clogged Toilet? Don’t Flush Again!
Toilets can get clogged for many reasons, from flushing too much toilet paper to foreign objects being thrown in. However, flushing a clogged toilet can make the situation worse by pushing the blockage deeper into your system. Instead:
- Stop using the toilet: If the toilet overflows, use towels or a mop to clean up excess water, but avoid flushing again.
- Attempt to clear the blockage: You can try using a plunger to dislodge the clog, but be gentle to avoid damaging the toilet.
In Point Breeze, we helped a client whose toilet had been backing up consistently for weeks. After an inspection, we discovered tree roots had infiltrated the sewer line. We were able to use a camera inspection to locate the root growth and clear it with a hydro jetting service, restoring the plumbing flow.
🔥 3. Water Heater Troubles? Check the Basics
Water heaters can malfunction in various ways, from no hot water to inconsistent temperatures. Here’s a quick checklist before calling:
- Check the thermostat setting: If it’s too low, turn it up and wait for the water to heat up.
- Check the circuit breaker: Sometimes a tripped breaker can cause the water heater to stop functioning.
- Look for leaks: Water pooling around the heater may indicate a problem.
If the issue persists, call us for an inspection. In Grays Ferry, we recently repaired a water heater that was leaking due to corrosion at the bottom of the tank. After replacing it, our customer was back to enjoying consistent hot water in no time.
📎 Need more plumbing resources? The Philadelphia Water Department offers valuable info about local plumbing codes and water conservation.
📍 Service Areas: Point Breeze, Graduate Hospital, Grays Ferry, Southwest Philly
🔍 Keywords Used: emergency plumber, clogged toilet, water line repair
💧 Don’t wait for a plumbing disaster to escalate—call Point Breeze Plumbing Experts now!
We offer fast, reliable, and affordable plumbing solutions for all emergencies, big or small. Whether you need a quick fix or a major repair, our licensed plumbers are ready to assist you.
📞 Contact us now or schedule an appointment online! We’re here for you 24/7.