Emergency plumbing : every day, people have to deal with a sudden heating failure or worse, a leak that threatens water damage, their apartment and sometimes that of their neighbors.
In the event of a plumbing problem, our tips will inform you and help you know who to call.
Emergency plumbing
Plumbing problem: first aid
React in time
If there is a leak, the first action to take is to shut off the water supply.
This can be done by closing the water meter valve, or better, by isolating only the section of piping concerned if it is provided with a shut-off valve.
Once this operation is complete, it is possible to calmly think about the best strategy for obtaining rapid troubleshooting without being ruinous.
Assess the true degree of urgency
The purpose of this reflection is to determine whether the professional’s help should arrive within the hour, the day or if it can wait a few days:
• The result is decisive, as it has a significant direct impact on the cost of troubleshooting.
• It is essential to explain as precisely as possible fro the phone call, the nature and location of the problem, because call out costs remain due, even if the emergency plumbing issue turns out to be outwith the skill set of the emergency plumber that you ahve contacted.
Plumbing emergency: who to call?
Your plumber or heating engineer:
• This is the first person to contact. This emergency professional knows your installation, so he is in the best position to intervene effectively.
• These skilled professionals are amazingly dedicated and when materially possible, they come to your aid quickly.
Your insurer:
• It is the other key player in emergency situations.
• Insurance companies have a well-stocked address book for this type of intervention.
Emergency plumber services:
• These businesses are flourishing on the Internet and are accustomed to advertising by pseudo-official-looking brochures placed in letterboxes.
• Most work honestly, but this is the channel where you see the highest prices and the most abuse of all kinds.
Precautions for use in a plumbing emergency
In any case, staying suspicious is the rule:
• Travel costs must be specified from the first telephone contact.
• The preliminary estimate is compulsory. It must be approved before the start of work. The amount actually paid will be the price specified in the estimate. Any supplements must be the subject of approved amendments.
• The cost of the estimate. The emergency plumber usually prepares his estimate for free, but some charge it. Have this detail specified during the preliminary call.
Good to know: the plumber has an obligation of result, even in emergency intervention. He is required to return to the site, without additional invoicing, in the event of faulty or incomplete repairs.
Be careful about the advertised price.
Plumbing emergency: what to do?
Dealing with a plumbing emergency comes with significant and sterile stress. By simply following the following three good precepts, the emergency can be quickly stemmed. The consequences may even be less dramatic than expected.
Plumbing emergency, first reflex: close the water inlets
A plumbing emergency could be an overflowing toilet, a leaking faucet, a clogged pipe, etc. In any case, the consequences can quickly be catastrophic.
Trying to figure out what the problem is and plug the holes is totally useless until you stop the flow of water. Whatever the plumbing problem one faces, the first good reflex is therefore to close the water inlets so as not to worsen the situation.
1) Turn off the water heater
2) Close the isolation valves present near each device
3) Close the main water supply to the house if necessary
Plumbing emergency, second reflex: contact a plumber
Warning: once the water inlets are closed, you absolutely take the time to select your plumber without rushing.
• It is better to contact a local plumber to better ensure his reputation.
Plumbing emergency, third reflex: contact your home insurance
Home insurance should normally cover water damage. We will therefore not fail to notify his insurer by phone following a plumbing emergency having had consequences on the home.
The warranty generally covers:
• the furniture
• the grounds
• the walls (and those of the neighbors)
• the possible liability of the owner of the damaged home
It will be necessary to send a registered letter to your insurer within five working days of the loss.
This letter must specify the cause of the damage and the damage suffered. The insurer may also provide an amicable report in the event of involvement of the neighborhood.
