When facing plumbing emergencies in Portland, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. While this can be a stressful situation, there are simple steps you can take to prevent water damage. Once you’ve taken a few proactive measures, you can reach out to our team of experienced plumbers for emergency repairs.
Before the Plumber Arrives: 5 Steps
Before you see an emergency plumber in Portland, OR, protect your home from additional damage through the following steps.
- Do not use chemical drain cleaners for mainline clogs.
- Stop the flow of water by switching off the main shutoff valve.
- Document damage for your insurer by taking photos.
- Protect your valuables by moving them.
- Don’t attempt DIY steps that could worsen the situation.
Emergency #1: Burst Pipe or an Active Leak
Frozen pipes, leaks, and other issues can cause your pipes to burst. Before calling for burst pipe repair in Portland, there are a few essential steps you can take to prevent additional damage.
What You’ll Notice
If the pipe bursts, you’ll likely notice unexplained puddles of water, water spraying out of your ceiling or walls, or the sound of running water without any fixtures in use.
What To Do Immediately
- Switch the water off at the water main.
- Turn off the electricity if it is safe to do so.
- Drain pipes and flush toilets to stop pressure from building up.
- Use buckets and towels to contain the water as much as you can.
- Set up fans and dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process.
What NOT To Do
- Never use heat tools to unfreeze pipes.
- Don’t let the water sit because it can cause mold.
When To Call for Help
Call for pipe repairs as soon as you have had a chance to switch off the water main and electricity.
Prevention Tip
To avoid burst pipes, remember to schedule routine plumbing maintenance and to leave a faucet dripping when temperatures drop below freezing.
Emergency #2: Sewer Backup
A sewer backup in Portland is a health hazard and needs to be fixed promptly.
What You’ll Notice
Homeowners may notice gurgling noises, slow drains, unusually lush grass, foul odors, or overflowing toilets.
What To Do Immediately
- Stop using all of your fixtures.
- Keep people and pets away from the sewage.
- Cut power if the sewage is near electrical outlets or devices.
- Take photos if you will need to file an insurance claim later on.
What NOT To Do
- Do not try to use chemical cleaners to fix the problem. They won’t help.
- Don’t try to snake the line on your own. Major clogs require professional help.
When To Call for Help
As soon as you notice sewage issues, immediately call for help because this problem won’t go away on its own.
Prevention Tip
You can prevent major sewage repairs by calling as soon as you notice a minor clog. Additionally, never pour fats, oils, or grease down the drain.
Emergency #3: Main Line Clog
When multiple drains back up, it indicates a clog in the main line. This can’t be reached by DIY plumbing tools, so you’ll need to get professional plumbing help dealing with a main line clog.
What You’ll Notice
- Gurgling noises in other fixtures when you run the water
- Multiple affected fixtures
- Foul odors
- Backed-up sewage
What To Do Immediately
- Immediately stop using any water.
- Document any symptoms in order to tell your plumber later.
- Use a main line cleanout to drain water safely away from your home.
- Deal with overflowing water to prevent damage.
What NOT To Do
- Don’t use harsh chemicals because they will not remove the clog and can cause damage.
When To Call for Professional Help
You should call for professional plumbers if the problem doesn’t resolve right away, you suspect tree root intrusion, or backups keep happening.
Prevention Tip
To prevent this problem, you should avoid flushing items down the toilet and never pour fats down the drain.
Emergency #4: Water Heater Leak
A leaky water heater indicates tank failure and is a serious emergency. Schedule water heater repairs in Portland immediately to avoid further damage.
What You’ll Notice
You’ll likely notice moisture or water around the tank.
What To Do Immediately
- Turn off the tank’s water supply by using the cold water inlet.
- Shut off the gas and electricity to the tank.
- If it is safe, use buckets and towels to clean up any water that is coming out.
- Leave the area immediately if you smell gas.
- Call a professional plumber for help.
What NOT To Do
- To avoid injury, don’t touch the hot water or valves.
- Don’t try to fix a gas leak or electrical issue on your own. Immediately leave the area.
When To Call for Help
Always call for help if there is a chance of a tank failure. There is a major risk of tank rupture, as well as potential electrical hazards.
Prevention Tip
A leading cause of tank failures is sediment buildup, which can be prevented by flushing your tank every six months and scheduling routine plumbing maintenance.
Emergency #5: Overflowing Toilet
If your toilet won’t stop running or repeatedly overflows, you may have a clog or a faulty component.
What You’ll Notice
You’ll likely notice the sound of the toilet running nonstop or see water overflowing.
What To Do Immediately
- Turn the toilet’s shutoff valve off.
- Use rubber gloves and boots to avoid bacteria.
- If it is safe, try plunging the toilet.
- Clean up any water that overflowed.
What NOT To Do
- Don’t try flushing again because this will just make it overflow more.
- Never use chemical drain cleaners.
When To Call for Help
If the toilet is backing up and plunging wasn’t enough to help, you need to call for same-day emergency plumbing in Portland.
Prevention Tip
You can prevent this issue by scheduling professional inspections and getting your fill valve and flapper checked out.
Emergency #6: Frozen Pipe Thawing Into a Leak
During seasonal Portland cold snaps, pipes can freeze. The expansion can cause hairline cracks and leaks to form.
What You’ll Notice
You may notice water around the pipe, musty odors, sudden drops in water pressure, and the sound of running water without any fixtures being in use.
What To Do Immediately
- Turn off your main water valve.
- Open faucets to relieve pressure.
- Turn off any electricity near the leak.
- Clean up any water.
What NOT To Do
- Never use open flames to warm up frozen pipes.
- Don’t use excessive heat because the thermal shock can lead to cracked pipes.
- Don’t attempt DIY thawing.
When To Call for Help
If you notice frozen pipes, don’t risk DIY thawing. Instead, immediately call a Portland plumbing company for help.
Prevention Tip
To avoid this issue in the future, insulate the pipes to help them stay warm. Proper winter preparations, such as draining unused fixtures and pipes, can also prevent frozen pipes.
Emergency #7: Gas Odor Near the Water Heater or Plumbing Area
The smell of gas near your water heater or plumbing is an immediate danger.
What You’ll Notice
Gas has a sulfur odor, so you might smell rotten eggs near the affected fixture.
What To Do Immediately
- Evacuate the area immediately.
- If it is safe, open doors and windows on your way out to ventilate the gas leak.
- Call your gas provider to get your gas service switched off.
- Call your HVAC technician or plumber for a full inspection.
What NOT To Do
- Never use a lighter, phone, or anything that causes sparks near a gas leak.
- Don’t wait to evacuate.
When To Call for Help
Always call for help if you think there may be a gas leak. If you don’t remember your gas provider’s number, call 911.
Prevention Tip
Perform routine maintenance and schedule routine water heater services in Portland at least once per year.
Why Call Central Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing for Plumbing Emergencies in Portland
- Same-day repair services
- Fast repairs
- Upfront estimates
- Flexible financing
- Licensed plumbers
Preventing Plumbing Emergencies: What To Check Each Year
- Flush your water heater every six months.
- Inspect fixtures for signs of leaks.
- To prevent major repairs, schedule annual plumbing maintenance and drain cleaning in Portland.
- Insulate pipes.
- Make sure shutoff valves are fully functional.
Need an Emergency Plumber in Portland?
If you’re experiencing plumbing emergencies in Portland, we can help. Give us a call today to get immediate solutions to your plumbing issues.
