Handling Emergency Plumbing Situations in a home makes it possible to use clean, fresh water for cooking, cleaning, bathing, and drinking. It’s easy to take this system for granted until something goes wrong, and then the household is put in a stressful situation that requires immediate attention from a skilled plumber.

There is no way to anticipate when a plumbing problem will arise, but some of them are more urgent than others. The most important thing to remember is to remain calm and call a plumber promptly. The most common problems include:

Pipe Problems: Weighing the Pros and Cons of DIY Plumbing Repairs vs. Calling in the Pros

Plumbing emergencies can occur at any time of the day or night and often come at the most inopportune moments. A pipe may burst on a weekend when family members are visiting or a drain could become severely clogged the morning of Thanksgiving dinner. These issues can cause significant damage if not addressed right away, and they are likely to get worse if you continue to use your plumbing without taking corrective action.

While you wait for a plumber to arrive, it is helpful to contain any existing water damage by using towels, sponges, rags, and buckets. It is also a good idea to move any furniture away from the affected area so that it’s easier for your plumber to access the site of the problem. You can also help minimize any further damage by opening windows and doors to ventilate the area and reduce the risk of mold growth.