March 21, 2022

What to Do When You Have a Plumbing Emergency

It’s 3:00 in the morning. Your phone rings. Your commercial building has flooded. It's a plumbing emergency. There may even be a safety hazard like electrical issues at play. Your team wants to know what to do.

Create an Emergency Protocol

This one should happen well before the 3AM phone call. Meet with your leadership team, any property managers, your general contractor, your facility management team—whoever you have on-site that is in charge of building maintenance. If you’re working with a facility management team like Rubicon, include them in every step of the process. Create a call-chain that clearly covers the below items.

Steps to Include in Your Plumbing Emergency Protocol

Large leak springing forth from a broken water pipe from a plumbing emergency

Water Shutoff Valve

Finding your water shutoff valve is an important part of home maintenance. It can be used to turn off the water supply in case of a major plumbing issue or plumbing emergency, and it's important to know how to find it quickly in just such an event. In some cases, the shutoff valve will be located within the house near fixtures like toilets, sinks and showers. It may be located near the water heater or in a utility closet, and in some cases it can be found outside the house near an exterior faucet.

Knowing where your shutoff valve is located can help you respond quickly and efficiently to any plumbing emergency that arises. Being prepared for such an event will give you peace of mind knowing that you'll be able to turn off the water supply and minimize damage in such a situation.

If you're having problems finding the valve, check out this article.

Call a Plumber or Engineer

When it comes to plumbing emergencies, calling a professional plumber is the best way to ensure that the problem gets fixed quickly and correctly. Plumbers have the experience and tools needed to identify the source of the issue and put in place solutions that are safe and effective. They can also offer advice on preventative measures as well as strategies for avoiding similar issues in the future.

Plus, plumbers are familiar with local building codes and regulations, so they can help you ensure that any work complies with all relevant laws. In short, a professional plumber is the best person to call when faced with a plumbing emergency. They will be able to act quickly and efficiently to resolve the problem as soon as possible.

Immediately contact either your facility management team or an emergency plumber. If Rubicon is handling your turn-key facility management, rest assured, we’ll take care of all of this. We also have emergency plumbers on standby. It’s always good to have a trusted emergency plumbing service AND a backup service just in case.

Assess the Situation

When a plumbing emergency arises, it is important to assess the situation quickly and accurately. Assessing an emergency plumbing situation requires careful observation of any visible signs of damage, as well as identifying the source of the problem. In some cases, you may need to make a temporary repair before bringing in professional help.

You should start by inspecting all areas around the affected plumbing, taking note of any visible signs of damage such as leaks and broken fixtures. It is also important to locate the source of the problem, such as a burst pipe or blocked drain. You may be able to determine this by listening closely for any unusual sounds coming from the plumbing system.

After you’ve contacted someone to diagnose and repair the plumbing issue, assess the situation. Is there any property damage? Are your facilities compromised? If necessary, you might need to bring in another service to help prevent long-term damage like mold. There are professional water removal companies who can help with water removal, drying out spaces and any other issues.

Begin an Insurance Claim

If applicable, it’s important to contact your insurance company immediately after the plumbing emergency itself is handled. Starting a claim right away can help make sure that you know what’s covered and the protocol to follow for maximum payout. If you have someone in charge of risk management on your team, make sure they are in the loop at every turn.

If you find yourself in need of insurance for a plumbing emergency, the first step is to assess the situation. You'll want to determine whether an insurance policy is necessary or if other solutions are available. If you decide that an insurance policy is needed, it's important to research your options and compare different policies before making a decision.

When choosing a policy, make sure it covers the type of plumbing emergency you're facing, such as burst pipes or water damage from flooding. It's also important to look at deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs associated with the policy. Finally, consider any potential discounts offered by providers for purchasing multiple policies or having certain safety features installed in your home. Taking these steps will ensure that you get the best coverage for your plumbing emergency.

Once you've chosen a policy, the next step is to contact an insurance agent to discuss the details of your coverage and any additional steps needed to set up the policy. The agent will help you fill out paperwork, make sure all necessary documents are in order, and provide guidance on how to file a claim should the need arise. With the right plan in place, you can rest assured that a plumbing emergency won't leave you high and dry.

Rubicon can provide invaluable assistance in the event of a plumbing emergency. They have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to quickly diagnose and fix any plumbing issue you may be facing. Whether it's a clogged drain, broken pipe, or burst water heater, Rubicon are trained and equipped to handle any situation that arises. With their help, you can get your plumbing system back up and running as soon as possible so that you can resume your daily activities without further disruption. Trust Rubicon to make sure your home is safe from plumbing emergencies!

If you want to worry a little bit less about emergency plumbing issues, consider hiring a facility management partner like Rubicon. We can also provide one-off trade services for needs like plumbing or HVAC, so don’t hesitate to reach out.

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