What to Do If You Have a Plumbing Emergency Over the Holidays
The holidays are the perfect time for gathering with loved ones, but when the kitchen sink—or worse, the toilet—decides to turn into a waterworks display, it can make for a memorable holiday for the wrong reasons.
Holiday plumbing emergencies—from clogged drains and broken pipes to water heater malfunctions—are all too common in Mesa. Fortunately, Mason Pro Services has a few steps you can take to address these issues quickly. Here’s a guide on what to do if you find yourself facing a plumbing crisis in your Arizona home during the festive season.
Prepare for the Unexpected: Have a Holiday Plumbing Kit
Sometimes, having a few essential items on hand can make all the difference in how easily you can respond to a plumbing emergency. Here are a few things to keep in your emergency plumbing kit:
- Plunger (one for toilets, another for sinks)
- Bucket and towels
- Pipe wrench
- Adjustable pliers
- Duct tape (temporary fix for minor pipe leaks)
- Flashlight
- Knowledge of your water shut-off valve location
5 Things to Do If You Have a Plumbing Emergency in Mesa
First and foremost, try not to panic.
Plumbing emergencies, while stressful, are often manageable with a bit of patience. Take a moment to identify what type of issue you’re dealing with:
- Is there water flooding in the area?
- Is the problem localized to one fixture, such as the sink or toilet, or is it affecting multiple parts of the house?
- Are there any signs of a problem with the water heater? If so, this might require immediate attention, especially if you’ve postponed home water heater inspections or residential water heater repair.
By assessing the situation, you’ll be better prepared to take the following steps to resolve the issue, and if you can’t, how to explain the issue to a Mason Pro Services plumber if needed.
1. Shut Off the Water Supply
For any emergency plumbing issue involving water leaks, the first and most crucial step is to shut off the water supply. Knowing the location of the water shut-off valve for your Mesa, home in advance can save you from major water damage.
- Individual Fixture Shut-Off Valve: Most sinks and toilets have their own shut-off valve, typically located underneath or behind the fixture.
- Main Water Shut-Off Valve: If the issue is widespread, turn off the home’s main water supply. This valve is usually located outside of the home near the water meter.
2. Check for Common Water Heater Issues
If your water heater isn’t working, or worse, if you see water pooling near it, the problem might stem from a malfunctioning water heater. A broken heater can be particularly challenging during the holidays, as everyone relies on hot water for cooking, cleaning, and showering.
In cases like these, seeking emergency residential water heater repairs is a must, especially if the issue involves a gas water heater. If you suspect a gas leak behind your water heater problem, leave the home, call your gas company, and then a plumber. Gas leaks are serious and should be left to trusted water heater technicians from Mason Pro Services.
If you’re unsure about what’s causing the problem, reach out to a reliable plumbing company in Mesa, for a quick assessment. Our licensed plumbers can handle everything from gas water heater troubleshooting to tankless water heater services.
Also, for those who haven’t yet scheduled hot water system maintenance, it’s not too late to call a Mason Pro Services professional before the holidays.
3. Unclogging Drains and Toilets Safely
Clogged drains and toilets are some of the most frequent holiday plumbing issues, especially with an influx of guests.
- Try a Plunger: For toilets and sinks, a plunger can often clear a minor clog. Make sure to use a separate plunger.
- Avoid Harsh Chemical Drain Cleaners: These can damage your pipes, especially if you have an older plumbing system. Instead, opt for safer DIY solutions like baking soda and vinegar.
- Contact a Professional for Stubborn Clogs: If plunging or home remedies don’t work, avoid causing more damage by forcing the clog. Instead, reach out for emergency plumbing in Maricopa County. Mason Pro Services can assess if your Mesa, home needs more extensive drain repair services.
4. Addressing Leaks and Burst Pipes
Leaks and burst pipes are especially problematic during the colder months in Arizona. If you suspect a leak, it’s critical to act quickly to prevent water damage.
- Turn Off Water and Power: If the leak is near an electrical source, switch off the power to the area to avoid any risk of electrical shock.
- Contain the Leak: Use towels, buckets, or a tarp to contain water until help arrives.
- Call for Leak Repair Services: Mason Pro Services can quickly address these issues with emergency plumbing in 85201. Our professional plumbers can also perform leak detection services throughout Maricopa County, using advanced methods, like camera line inspections, to pinpoint leaks.
5. Know When to Call a Professional
Some plumbing issues require more than a DIY approach. If you’re unsure or the problem persists, reach out to a reliable plumbing company in Mesa. The team at Mason Pro Services can handle a wide range of home system issues, including HVAC maintenance, plumbing services, and leak repair in 85201.
Consider Long-Term Plumbing Maintenance
Mason Pro Services provides reliable water heating solutions, plumbing, and water treatment in Mesa, to make sure your home stays comfortable, safe, and ready for anything.
- Before the holiday season rush in Arizona, consider scheduling a routine residential plumbing inspection with a reputable plumber near you. These inspections can help prevent emergencies and identify potential issues early on.
- Maricopa County water heater maintenance can also ensure your system runs efficiently year-round, extending the life of your unit and minimizing costly repairs.
Call the Plumbing Experts in Maricopa County at Mason Pro Services
No one wants to deal with a plumbing emergency over the holidays. But with some preparation, quick action, and knowing who to call for help, you can handle these unexpected problems with ease.
As your local Arizona plumbers, Mason Pro Services is here to keep your holidays as stress-free and enjoyable as possible, even when you’re dealing with plumbing problems in your Mesa, home. One call (or click) can make all the difference, so contact us today at 480-757-1778 or request service online!