You have a plumbing problem, but the issue is it’s midnight or the middle of a weekend. Should you call a 24 hr. plumber in Houston for help? We have some tips to help you decide whether you have a plumbing emergency that can’t wait as well as some tips to help you be prepared should the unexpected strike.
Do I Need a 24 Hr. Plumber in Houston?
Of course, it’s not always easy to tell when you need a Houston emergency plumber. Sometimes plumbing problems are catastrophic and make the decision easy. However, in other cases you might really be scratching your head. Is it an emergency or can it wait until morning or the next business day?
Generally, an emergency call for plumbing service in the middle of the night or on a weekend will cost a little more. That’s because it’s outside of business hours and it goes to an on-call plumber. So, it definitely makes sense to try to schedule repairs during normal business days and hours whenever possible. However, sometimes putting off repairs can cause an even bigger and more expensive issue. Make sure you know the difference between when you can wait and when it’s time to immediately call to a 24 hr. plumber in Houston.
Some Questions To Ask to Determine if You Need a 24 Hr. Plumber in Houston
To figure out whether you need a plumber right now or whether the issue can wait until the next business day, there are a few things you can ask yourself. These questions can help you determine if you have a plumbing emergency on your hands:
Is the plumbing issue currently causing damage?
There are many plumbing problems that can cause significant damage. For example, major leaks can cause water damage to your home, furniture, and other belongings. If you have an issue that is causing damage or will likely cause damage without Houston plumbing repairs, then you probably need a plumber immediately.
Is the problem creating a health hazard?
You rely on your plumbing for so many things every day, but many of us take plumbing systems for granted. Unfortunately, if your plumbing isn’t working properly, this can actually create health hazards for you and your family. For instance, some plumbing problems can lead to sewage backup. This can expose you to dangerous germs and contaminants. Also, let’s not forget that not having access to clean, running water to wash your hands is also a serious health hazard. So, if you’re dealing with an issue that could potentially harm your health, you may need the help of a 24 hr. plumber in Houston
Will the issue likely worsen over the next few hours?
This question can be somewhat tricky to answer in some cases. However, it’s still worth asking yourself. You see, sometimes watchful waiting can end with more complicated repairs that cost much more than an off-hours service call. For instance, if you have a small leak you can control with buckets and rags, but have a feeling it will turn into a downpour before long, it’s often better to make an emergency plumbing call.
Does the plumbing problem cause major problems with how I use my house?
If you have a plumbing issue that is interfering with everyday life, then you might want to call a 24/7 plumber. Of course, sometimes plumbing problems are an inconvenience, but even small problems may need immediate help if you can’t use your plumbing. For example, a clogged toilet may not be an emergency if you live in a 3 bathroom home, but it’s a serious problem if it’s the only toilet in the house. So, even minor problems may need emergency assistance if they stop you from basic activities.
Why Find an Emergency Plumber Before You Have a Problem
In addition, it can be extraordinarily helpful to actually find a Houston emergency plumber before you ever have a problem. This way, you have plenty of time to learn about the company. You can do your research to make sure they’re licensed, bonded, and insured. You also have time to look at ratings and read testimonials. Before an emergency, you can browse reviews, consider how much experience they have, and much more. Essentially, looking for a plumber before you have an issue means you can vet them so you have peace of mind your home will be in good hands.
This can take a lot of the stress away when you’re dealing with a plumbing issue in the middle of the night or during a holiday. We recommend finding a plumber you can trust before you ever run into an issue and saving their 24/7 phone number in your phone for easy access. For instance, you can always reach us at (713) 360-2185 for plumbing emergencies. Having this number close at hand in case of emergency is a great way to make sure you’re prepared for plumbing problems.
Be Prepared for Plumbing Emergencies
While you may not be able to prevent every plumbing emergency, there are other things you can do to help prepare for the unexpected. Having a reputable plumber to call at a moment’s notice is one way, but you should also know what to do before the plumber arrives. For example, make sure you know how to turn your water off at the main as well as individual valves for different fixtures. The main water shutoff is typically located near your water meter, your water heater, or in a small underground box near where your home connects to the city water line. Most individual valves are near the fixture itself, such as next to the toilet or underneath a sink cabinet.
Also, if you have standing water from a leak, it’s usually a good idea to do what you can to reduce the risk of damage by cleaning up the water. After you’ve shut the water off and called your plumber, try to clean up and dry any areas with water if you can do so safely. If you’re dealing with sewage back up, make sure you have proper safety gear on to protect yourself from the germs, such as waterproof gloves and boots, a face mask, and goggles.
You may also want to take pictures and notes of the issue. In some cases, this can be extremely important if you’re planning to file an insurance claim to help cover the damage. Having pictures can go a long way for filing a claim with your homeowners insurance, though you should ask your insurance agent for specifics.
Santhoff Plumbing – Your Houston Emergency Plumber since 1974
When you need a plumbing company you can trust, choose our experts at Santhoff Plumbing Company. We’ve been Houston’s trusted plumber since 1974 and offer superior service to residential and commercial customers throughout the Greater Houston area. If you have a plumbing emergency, call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year at (713) 360-2185. To schedule a service call for less urgent situations, give us a call during business hours at (713) 360-2185.