You come home and find your home is now an indoor swimming pool. What’s the first thing you should do? The first thing you should do, just as in an emergency, is taking a deep breath and stay calm. The next thing you should do is immediately shut off the main water line into your home. To be prepared for a plumbing emergency, every homeowner should know where the valve to the main water line is located. Most likely it is located by your water meter, usually by the street. Some homes, however, have water shutoff valves outside the home or even in the laundry room. It’s a good practice upon moving into a new home to locate the water shutoff valve and, if needed, have a shutoff key to be prepared for an emergency long before one occurs.

The next step to take in a plumbing emergency is to contact your plumber. Unfortunately, far too many homeowners wait until they have a plumbing emergency to begin looking for a plumber. A wise homeowner will find a reliable plumber upon moving into the area so they don’t have to scramble and search for a plumber at a time of crisis. Ask friends and relatives for the name of the plumber they have used. Contact that plumber and schedule an inspection of your plumbing system, which can help prevent plumbing emergencies.

Once you’ve called the plumber, take the steps necessary to protect your home and property from water damage. Remember the longer property is exposed to water, the more damage will occur. Remove as much water from your home as possible. If you isolate the source of the water, let your plumbing company know when they arrive. Your plumber may also be able to recommend a company that specializes in water damage remediation for your home.

Now that the plumber has arrived and you’ve contacted a water damage remediation specialist, call your insurance company and let them know of your water damage. While water damage from weather forces is not covered by regular homeowners’ insurance, most water damage from plumbing emergencies is covered.

Need a reliable plumber in the Austin area? Contact Beyond Wow and let us handle your plumbing needs!