Feb 16, 2017
What to Expect When You Need Emergency Plumbing Service
You can plan for a lot of things in life, but a plumbing emergency is not one of them. When a plumbing emergency does happen, we know you want it resolved as quickly as possible. And we know you want your plumbing emergencies to be fixed in a way that prevents future problems.
At CroppMetcalfe, we understand that plumbing emergencies can be simple but annoying – or complicated and damaging. Whatever trouble you have, we’re here to help.
Common Plumbing Emergencies
The most common plumbing emergencies we see include:
- Overflowing Toilet
- Burst Pipes
- Sump Pump Failure
- Broken Water Heater
- Leaky Pipes
- Clogged Sewer Line
- Washing Machine Hose Leak
If you’re handy, you might attempt DIY repairs on a leaking faucet, clogged toilet, or broken garbage disposal. Remember to turn off the water main before tackling a DIY plumbing repair, and keep a plumber’s number handy in case things go awry.
You should always call a professional plumber if you don’t feel comfortable fixing the issue yourself. Another good rule is to call a pro when a plumbing repair involves replacing pipes or doing any work to the water heater or sump pump. That is not work you should attempt to handle yourself.
Calling a Plumber
When you call a plumber for emergency plumbing services, we recommend asking two questions upfront:
- Do you charge emergency rates?
- Should I shut off my main water valve?
Knowing whether you will be charged an emergency fee can help you prepare for this unexpected plumbing bill. Turning off the water sometimes keeps serious plumbing problems from getting worse.
A professional plumbing company will send a uniformed technician who will be able to present a business card upon arrival. Your plumber should be upfront about the pricing and seek your approval before doing any work.
All CroppMetcalfe repair work will be quoted in writing before being performed. Unless special parts are needed, Blevins says most plumbers can do same-day repairs within an hour or two.
Avoiding Plumbing Problems
To avoid major plumbing issues, have a plumbing inspection conducted annually. With our Preferred Service Policy, we provide one maintenance inspection per year, in which our technicians check the following:
- Dye testing of water closets for leaks
- Check the household water pressure
- Placement of valve guides
- A maintenance snaking of a tub/shower drain
- Visual inspection of all exposed plumbing
At these appointments, we advise you of any needed repairs, and preferred customers receive a 10% discount on all plumbing repairs. A properly operating plumbing system helps reduce plumbing emergency issues.
Call CroppMetcalfe First
If an emergency does happen, CroppMetcalfe’s 5-star technicians are here to save the day. We give Preferred Service Policy customers priority status and will not charge overtime rates for the emergency service. Contact us today to learn more about our premier plumbing services in the Maryland, D.C., or Virginia areas.