Not every plumbing problem can wait until regular business hours, but not every drip or clog needs an emergency call either. Knowing the difference can save you money and, more importantly, help you protect your home before a small issue turns into major water damage. Here’s how Bob Usry & Sons helps Norman-area homeowners tell the two apart.
True Plumbing Emergencies
A few situations should always be treated as urgent. A burst or badly leaking pipe that you can’t shut off can flood a home in minutes and cause serious structural damage. Sewage backing up into tubs, toilets, or drains is a health hazard that needs immediate attention. A gas smell near a water heater or gas line is a safety emergency, and you should leave the house and call from outside before calling a plumber. Losing all water pressure or hot water suddenly, especially in freezing weather, can also point to a serious failure that shouldn’t wait. In any of these cases, shutting off your home’s main water valve (or gas valve, if it’s safe to do so) while you wait for help can limit the damage.
What Can Probably Wait
Plenty of plumbing annoyances are inconvenient but not dangerous. A slow-draining sink, a running toilet, a dripping faucet, or a minor clog in one drain can usually wait for a next-day or scheduled appointment. These issues are worth fixing soon since small leaks and clogs tend to get worse over time, but they typically don’t require an after-hours emergency call.
What to Do While You Wait for the Plumber
If you’re dealing with a true emergency, locate your main water shutoff valve first and turn it clockwise to stop the flow of water throughout the house. For a localized leak, like under a sink, the fixture’s individual shutoff valve may be enough. Move any valuables or electronics away from standing water, and if the leak is near an outlet or electrical fixture, avoid the area entirely and consider shutting off power to that section of the house at the breaker.
Let Bob Usry & Sons Help
When you’re not sure whether what you’re dealing with counts as an emergency, it’s always better to call and ask. Bob Usry & Sons has served Norman, Oklahoma City, and the surrounding communities since 1973, and our team can help you decide what needs immediate attention and what can be scheduled. Call us anytime at (405) 364-1001 and we’ll get a real, local plumber on the line.