What to Do in a Plumbing Emergency: Tips for Arlington Residents

Experiencing a plumbing emergency in your Arlington, TX home is way more stressful than regularly scheduled drain cleaning. You may come home to an overflowing toilet or awake and discover a burst pipe in the garage. Whatever the plumbing issue is, it came out of nowhere and now water is getting everywhere.

Taking swift action is crucial in these moments. But what action should you take? Here’s a quick rundown of what to do during a plumbing emergency, along with useful information about water systems in Arlington, TX.

First, Shut Off the Water Supply

The first and most important step is to locate and turn off the main water supply. In Arlington homes, the main shut-off valve is typically located:

• Near the water meter, which is often found in the front yard near the sidewalk.
• Inside the home, usually in the garage or near the foundation.
• If your home has a basement (less common in Arlington), the valve may be near where the main water line enters the house.

Making sure you know where the water main shut-off valve is located before an emergency arises can save valuable time and minimize further damage.

Assess the Situation

After stopping the water flow, evaluate the severity and source of the problem. Identifying the issue will help you communicate effectively with a plumber.

Contact a Professional For Emergency Plumbing Services

Even if you’ve shut off the water, some plumbing emergencies require immediate professional attention. Not every plumber in Arlington offers 24/7 emergency services like our plumbing company does. If you find a licensed plumber that offers emergency repairs keep their contact information handy.

Mitigate Water Damage

Even in an emergency situation it may take the plumber a half hour or so to arrive. While you wait you can help minimize the water damage by:

• Using towels and mops to clean up standing water.
• Placing buckets under active leaks.
• Moving furniture and valuables away from affected areas to prevent further harm.

SAFETY PRECAUTION: If flooding occurs, avoid walking through standing water where electrical hazards may be present.

Resist the Urge to Make DIY Repairs

Although it might be tempting to fix the problem yourself, DIY plumbing repairs can sometimes make the issue worse. When water damage is involved worse is never what you want. Unless you’re experienced with plumbing, it’s best to leave emergency repairs to a professional plumber.

Understanding Water in Arlington, TX

Arlington’s water supply comes from the Tarrant Regional Water District, which primarily sources water from local reservoirs like Lake Arlington. The supply is managed by Arlington Water Utilities to ensure there’s clean, safe drinking water.

Here are a few more things to know about the water infrastructure in the area:

• Water Pressure: Arlington homes generally have water pressure between 50-80 psi. If you experience low water pressure, it could be due to city maintenance or an issue within your plumbing system.
• Hard Water: The water in Arlington is considered moderately hard due to natural minerals. This can lead to mineral buildup in pipes, so using a water softener may help prevent plumbing issues over time. Maintenance is also critical for equipment like the water heater.
• Emergency Shut-Off: In the event of a major leak outside your home, you may need to contact Arlington Water Utilities to shut off the water at the street level. Their emergency number is available on the City of Arlington’s website.

Preventing Future Plumbing Emergencies at Your Arlington Property

To avoid unexpected plumbing problems and future repairs, schedule routine inspections and maintenance. Checking for leaks, insulating pipes in the winter, maintaining plumbing fixtures and knowing how to turn off your water supply can go a long way in protecting your home.

It’s also a good idea to have the name and contact info for an emergency plumber handy in case you need it.

If you’re looking for an Arlington plumbing company you can rely on in an emergency, give Made’s Plumbing a call. There’s no plumbing job we can’t handle from emergency repairs on a tankless water heater to fixing sewer lines. We’ll have your plumbing system running smoothly again in no time!