Emergency Plumbers in Cedar Rapids, IA

How Urgent Is My Plumbing Problem?

A plumbing problem becomes an emergency when it threatens to do immediate damage to your property or jeopardizes your health. Some plumbing issues feel stressful but do not pose these immediate dangers. These include a single slow drain, a running toilet, or a dripping faucet. While you should address these issues promptly, they do not necessarily call for an emergency repair.

Our team at Master Plumbing, Heating & Air is prepared to handle many types of common plumbing emergencies, including:

• Burst pipes. A burst pipe floods a home in minutes, ruining drywall and flooring. We can locate the break and replace the section of pipe to stop the water damage.
• Sewage backups. Wastewater backing up into your drains poses a severe health risk due to bacteria and other pathogens. We can work to address the root cause of the backup as quickly as possible to restore safety.
• Complete loss of water. Losing access to running water stops you from cooking, cleaning, or using the restroom. We can investigate the cause and work to restore the flow to your property.
• Lack of hot water. No hot water can grind your day to a halt. We can efficiently repair or replace your tankless or tank-based water heater. 
• Multiple completely clogged fixtures. When several drains fail simultaneously, the blockage likely sits deep in the main sewer line. We can use specialized drain cleaning equipment like hydro jetting tools to clear these major obstructions.
• Overflowing toilet. A toilet that overflows spreads contaminated water across your bathroom floor. We can identify the mechanical failure or clog and fix it to prevent further messes.
• Gas line leaks. A gas leak presents an immediate danger to your safety. Do not wait to evacuate your home and call 9-1-1. Once the utility company secures the area, we can test the lines, locate the leak, and perform the necessary repairs.
• Contaminated water. Brown, rusted, or foul-smelling water suggests a breach in your pipes or a failing water heater. We can analyze your water quality, address the source of the contamination, and install a water filtration solution.

What Should I Do During a Plumbing Emergency?

You don’t have to feel helpless while you wait for one of our emergency plumbers to arrive! You can take proactive steps to limit the damage before we knock on your door. Managing the situation calmly allows you to protect your home and prepares the area for our arrival, which helps us get to work faster. 

For many plumbing emergencies, we encourage you to take these steps after calling our team at Master Plumbing, Heating & Air for help:

• Stop the water flow. First, locate your home's main water shut-off valve. You will usually find this on an outside wall, near the street, or in a utility room, your basement, or your garage. Turn the handle clockwise until it stops. This cuts water to the entire house. However, if the leak comes from a specific toilet or sink, look for the isolation valve behind or underneath the fixture. Turn this valve clockwise to stop the water source right at the problem area.
• Protect your safety. If standing water is near electrical outlets, appliances, or extension cords, do not touch anything. Go to your breaker box and turn off the power to the affected room. If the breaker box is above standing water, leave the house and call your utility provider. Don’t risk an electrical shock.
• Protect your property. Once it is safe to do so, move furniture, rugs, electronics, and boxes to a dry room. Place buckets, pans, or heavy towels under active drips. If water covers the floor, use old towels to create a dam that stops the water from spreading to other rooms. You should also take pictures of the damage for your insurance claim.
• Prepare your space for our technicians. Remove clutter from hallways or entryways leading to the problem area. We may need to carry heavy tools and equipment, so a clear path helps minimize delays. Keep children and pets in a safe, dry room away from the work area.

How to Help Prevent Plumbing Emergencies

Understanding the common causes of plumbing emergencies can help homeowners take preventative measures. Issues like aging pipes, improper installation, and severe weather can lead to unforeseen plumbing failures that require emergency repairs.

For example, tree roots can intrude into sewer lines, causing blockages that can result in significant damage if not addressed promptly. Similarly, fluctuating temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and burst, resulting in immediate emergency plumbing needs.

In addition to scheduling regular plumbing inspections and maintenance, follow these tips to help reduce the odds of an emergency situation: