What the heck! You’ve woken up to find that part of your house is flooded – the water is backing up, and it’s not draining away. Yep, you have an emergency on your hands. You can feel the panic rising as you dial for help. But what steps can you take as you await your plumber’s arrival?

Superior Plumbing is a firm with over 17 years of successful work in London, Ontario. As such, you can count on them for excellent plumbing services. Their expert team has also prepared a few pointers to help avert further damage to your property before your go-to plumber shows up. Let’s take a look.

1. Shut Off the Water Supply

We know; your heart could be pounding with fear, and the last thing you want is to have an intimate familiarity with the origin of your water troubles. “What if the electrical circuits are flooded?” you wonder silently.

No need to panic! Take a deep breath, and try to locate the main shutoff valve for your water supply. Turning it off will prevent further flooding and the resulting damage.

Can’t find the main valve? Manipulate the supply valves near your water appliances to find the source of your woes. This can help you narrow down the cause of the leak and where to shut off the water.

Also, drain the lines after shutting off the supply to ensure no water remains in the pipes. By flushing the system, you can also reduce the chances of sediment buildup in the pipes.

2. Check for Electrical Hazards

Water and electricity can create a very dangerous combination. To avoid the risk of electrocution, turn off the breaker box and disconnect any electrical plugs near the water-damaged area(s).

Similarly, if some of your electrical appliances were on at the time of the incident, turn them off. Avoid the temptation to check whether the appliances are damaged by trying to turn them on, as this could be very dangerous and may result in further damage. Your safety is key, and the last thing you need is to suffer injury due to an avoidable mishap.

3. Move Furniture and Electronics

It’s a no-brainer; you should move furniture, electronics, and other items away from the flooded area. That said, you might be preoccupied with dealing with the water damage, although your priority should be to move the items first. Allowing your stuff to stay in a flooded area for too long results in significant damage.

Try to salvage whatever you can and place them in a safe, dry spot – preferably a higher ground. If some items are already under water, you can lift them onto a table or chair to avoid further damage. If you’re lucky, the damage may be limited to the floor. Besides, getting your stuff out of the way will give the plumber ample space to work and make cleanup afterward much easier.

4. Mop Up the Water

Using a mop or other absorbent material, try to remove as much water from your floors as possible. The idea is to tackle the mess before it can cause more damage to your floors and furniture. You also don’t want the plumber to be stuck trying to scoop out the water or keep them waiting while you do the cleaning.

While mopping, remember to keep away from the electrical outlets and appliances. A wet vac might also come in handy to suck out standing water.

While at it, ventilate the rooms to help speed up the drying process. Your fans and air conditioning should also help in this regard. As we know, mold and mildew can form in damp places, and you don’t want to give them a chance.

The quicker you can do this, the better. So, if you need an extra pair of hands, don’t hesitate to call a friend or family member.

5. Document the Damage

Take photos and videos of the damage or water leakage. Insurers typically require evidence before processing a home insurance claim. Also, create a list of damaged items and try to identify the cause of the leak, including the duration of the problem.

Documentation can also help your plumber identify the leak’s source and develop a proper solution. Even if you’re uninsured, having visual evidence of the problem can prove helpful in the future.

Plumbing emergencies are a cause for panic and concern. Thankfully, taking these measures can avert further damage before the plumber arrives. The idea is also to ensure your safety, protect your valuables, and give the plumber an easier time. Once they arrive, you can relax and await a speedy resolution of your plumbing problem.