Steps To Take During A Plumbing Emergency

Brought to you by your local experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver

"A small leak can sink a great ship." Benjamin Franklin

The first step is to stop the flow of water.
Click here for information on how to shut off your water.

In an extreme emergency (a threat of major property damage or risk to life exists-water coming into contact with electrical wiring, for instance), it may be advisable to call 911. Fire Departments are familiar with loss and damage control.

Do Not Abuse This Service by Calling for Help with a Routine Problem!

What's Your Emergency?

• Leaking or Broken Pipes
• Frozen Pipes
• Clogged Drains
• Clogged Toilet
• Faucet and Tap Problems
• Clogged Sumps and French Drains
• Radiators-Steam and Hot Water

Leaking or Broken Pipes and Hoses

If a pipe or joint leaks or breaks, turn off your home's main shutoff valve to prevent water damage. Then have the pipe replaced or the joint repaired by a professional from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver.

If your washing machine, dishwasher or other appliance is leaking, check to see that its drain trap is clear. Even a partly clogged drain can cause an overflow. If the drain is clear, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver and have one of our professionals determine the cause of your blockage.

Frozen Pipes

If a pipe should freeze, thaw the pipe slowly with a hair dryer or towels soaked in hot water. Start at the end nearest the tap and heat the pipe slowly in case there are any undiscovered ruptures. Never heat the pipe with an open flame such as a match or torch. If a pipe is burst, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver for immediate repairs.

Clogged Drains

When the drain pipe from a tub, sink, shower or an appliance becomes clogged, first turn off the water supply. Then try to remove the obstruction with a rubber plunger before using any drain cleansers. This is to prevent splash-back of corrosive solutions. Click here to review the correct way to use a plunger to unclog drains.

If the plunger does not work, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver. Do not use a snake or other tools. They can damage expensive fixtures. Never use a drain cleaner to open a totally clogged drain. It will form a caustic solution that can cause serious injury to your skin, lungs and eyes. Do not combine chlorine-based products with other ingredients as this may give off toxic chlorine gas.

Clogged Toilet

If a toilet is overflowing and the water is still running into the tank, first stop the water by pushing down the tank stopper (inside the tank on the back of the toilet) until the tank fills and the water stops. Next, turn off the shutoff valve underneath the toilet or turn off the main water shutoff valve. Do not flush the toilet or it will just overflow more.

Try to unclog the drain with a plunger as described above. If that does not work, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver for prompt, courteous service.

Faucet and Tap Problems

If a faucet won't shut off, turn off the water at the shutoff valve or main water supply immediately. If you aren't comfortable repairing the faucet yourself, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver for professional help.

You should not attempt to repair cartridge faucets yourself. These faucets are complex in design and quite expensive. Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver for expert repairs if you have any problems with a cartridge faucet.

If steaming water flows from a hot water faucet, do not touch the water faucet. Leave the faucet running and turn off the electricity or gas supply to the hot water heater. Let the faucet run until cold water flows from the faucet indicating that the water is no longer overheated, and then call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver to diagnose and repair the problem.

Clogged Sumps and French Drains

A clogged sump can cause major damage and should be treated as an emergency. Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver for help in restoring your sump to its proper working condition.

Radiators—Steam and Hot Water

If you have a leaking radiator, turn off your thermostat immediately and leave it off until the problem is identified.

Pressurized hot water and steam systems can be extremely dangerous and should only be worked on by qualified professionals. Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver for prompt attention to your needs.

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