🚨 24/7 Emergency Service Available
Call Fuller Heating: +1 (808) 291-2537
Plumbing emergencies never happen at a convenient time. Whether it's a burst pipe, overflowing toilet, or severe leak, knowing what to do immediately can minimize damage and save you thousands of dollars in repairs.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Act Quickly
The first few minutes of a plumbing emergency are critical. Take a deep breath and follow these immediate steps:
Step 2: Shut Off the Water
This is the MOST IMPORTANT action you can take to prevent damage.
How to Shut Off Water
For Localized Issues (toilet, sink, etc.):
- Toilets: Turn the oval valve behind the toilet clockwise
- Sinks: Turn valves under the sink clockwise
- Washing machine: Turn valves behind the machine clockwise
- Water heater: Turn valve on cold water line clockwise
For Major Emergencies (burst pipes, unknown source):
Shut off the main water valve:
- Usually located where the main water line enters your home
- Common locations: basement, crawl space, or outside near the water meter
- Turn clockwise to close (remember: "righty-tighty")
- If it's a lever-style handle, turn it perpendicular to the pipe
⚠️ Important: Know Your Main Valve Location NOW
Don't wait for an emergency! Find and label your main water shut-off valve today. Make sure all family members know where it is and how to use it.
Step 3: Turn Off Water Heater (If Needed)
If you've shut off the main water supply, turn off your water heater to prevent damage:
- Electric water heater: Turn off at the circuit breaker
- Gas water heater: Turn gas control valve to "pilot" or "off"
Step 4: Assess and Document the Damage
Once the water is shut off:
- Take photos and videos of all damage for insurance claims
- Note the time the emergency started
- Identify the source of the problem if possible
- Check for additional damage in surrounding areas
Step 5: Protect Your Belongings
Minimize water damage by:
- Moving furniture, rugs, and valuables away from affected areas
- Placing buckets under active leaks
- Mopping up standing water with towels or a wet/dry vacuum
- Opening windows to improve ventilation and prevent mold
Step 6: Turn Off Electricity (If Necessary)
⚡ DANGER: Water and Electricity
If water is near electrical outlets, appliances, or your electrical panel, turn off power at the main breaker BEFORE entering the area. NEVER stand in water while touching electrical equipment!
Step 7: Call a Professional Plumber
Even if you've temporarily stopped the water, you need professional help for:
- Proper repairs and permanent solutions
- Identifying underlying issues
- Preventing future emergencies
- Ensuring work meets building codes
Common Plumbing Emergencies
🚰 Burst Pipes
Immediate Actions:
- Shut off main water immediately
- Turn off water heater
- Open faucets to relieve pressure
- Call plumber immediately
🚽 Overflowing Toilet
Immediate Actions:
- Remove tank lid
- Push down flapper to stop water
- Turn off toilet valve
- Do NOT flush again
💧 Severe Leaks
Immediate Actions:
- Shut off water to affected fixture
- Place buckets under leak
- Dry surrounding areas
- Identify leak source
🔥 No Hot Water
Immediate Actions:
- Check water heater pilot light
- Check circuit breaker
- Look for leaks around heater
- Call for professional inspection
🚿 Backed-Up Drains
Immediate Actions:
- Stop using all drains
- Don't flush toilets
- Avoid chemical drain cleaners
- Call professional immediately
🌊 Sewer Backup
Immediate Actions:
- Avoid affected areas
- Do NOT use plumbing
- Call plumber AND health dept if severe
- Leave to professionals - health hazard!
Prevention: Your Best Defense
Many plumbing emergencies can be prevented with regular maintenance:
- Schedule annual plumbing inspections
- Never pour grease down drains
- Use drain strainers to catch debris
- Insulate pipes in cold areas to prevent freezing
- Know the age of your plumbing system
- Address small leaks before they become big problems
- Be careful what you flush (only toilet paper!)
Emergency Preparedness Checklist
Keep These Items Accessible:
- ✓ Plumber's phone number (save in your phone!)
- ✓ Main water shut-off valve location (label it!)
- ✓ Pipe wrench or adjustable wrench
- ✓ Plunger for toilets and sinks
- ✓ Bucket and old towels
- ✓ Flashlight with fresh batteries
- ✓ Duct tape (temporary pipe patch)
- ✓ Wet/dry vacuum
Save this number now: Fuller Heating 24/7 Emergency: +1 (808) 291-2537
When to Call for Emergency Service
Don't hesitate to call for emergency plumbing service if you have:
- Burst or frozen pipes
- Sewage backup
- No water throughout the house
- Major leaks you can't stop
- Overflowing toilets that won't stop
- Water heater leaking or making loud noises
- Gas smell near water heater or gas lines
🚨 Plumbing Emergency? We're Here 24/7!
Fuller Heating provides fast, professional emergency plumbing service day or night. We aim to respond within 1-2 hours.
📞 Call Now: +1 (808) 291-2537
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
509 Woodward Ave, Muscle Shoals, AL 35661