Emergency Plumbing Services in Lacey: What to Do Before the Pros Arrive

Author:
June 30, 2025

When a plumbing emergency hits your Lacey home—burst pipes, overflowing toilets, leaking water heaters—every minute counts. While our professional team is always ready to respond fast, there are a few critical things you can do before we arrive to protect your property and minimize damage.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to handling a plumbing emergency like a pro.

1.SHUT OFF THE WATER

First things first: cut the water supply to stop flooding or further damage.

Main shut-off valve: Usually found where the water line enters your home—often in a garage, basement, or near your water heater.
Fixture shut-off valves: Located under sinks, behind toilets, or behind appliances. Use these if only one fixture is leaking.

If you’re not sure where your main shut-off valve is, now is a great time to locate it—before an emergency strikes.

2. TURN OFF THE WATER HEATER

If you're dealing with a major leak, especially hot water, turn off your water heater to prevent pressure buildup or heat damage.

Electric water heater: Turn it off at the breaker box.
Gas water heater: Turn the gas valve to the “pilot” position.

This helps avoid added strain or potential risk of overheating.

3. STOP SMALL LEAKS (IF SAFE)

Grab towels, buckets, or plumber’s tape if you have it. For smaller leaks or slow drips:

Wrap the leaking pipe tightly with cloth or tape.
Place a bucket underneath to catch water.
Avoid using the affected fixture until it’s fixed.

Never attempt a DIY repair on major leaks or anything involving sewage—just contain the water and wait for professional help.

4.CLEAR THE AREA

Move furniture, rugs, and valuables away from the water source. Shut off power to nearby electrical outlets if flooding is near them. The goal is to limit damage and stay safe.

5. CALL AN EMERGENCY PLUMBER (FAST)

Once you’ve contained what you can, call a licensed emergency plumber in Lacey. Provide clear details:

Type of issue (burst pipe, backed-up drain, etc.)
Severity and any actions you've taken
Exact location

The more we know before we arrive, the faster we can fix the problem.

6. DOCUMENT THE DAMAGE

Take photos of the affected area for insurance purposes. Keep records of:

What happened
When it occurred
What steps you took

This can make filing a claim smoother—and some insurers may cover plumbing emergencies, especially if quick action was taken.

Need Emergency Plumbing Help in Lacey?

Our team at American Plumbing is on call 24/7 for plumbing emergencies. We know Lacey homes inside and out, and we respond fast—with solutions that last.

Call us now if you're facing a plumbing crisis: (360) 438-0611

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