24 Hour Emergency Plumber in Estes Park, CO

Do now

• Find and test the main shutoff before the pipe thaws.
• Crack open the faucet on that line so thawing water can flow out.
• Warm the section with a hair dryer or a space heater kept at a safe distance.

Avoid

• No torches or lighters on a frozen pipe; they start fires inside walls.
• Don't leave a heater running unattended in a crawl space or garage.

Do now

• Close the main shutoff; in a basement home it's usually where the line enters through the foundation.
• Cut the breaker to any circuit with water near it.
• Open a basement laundry tub or the lowest faucet to drain the lines.

Avoid

• Stay out of standing water until the power to that area is off.
• Don't turn the water back on to test the repair yourself.

Do now

• Tell everyone in the house: no showers, laundry, dishwasher or flushing until the line is clear.
• Keep kids and pets out of the basement.
• Note where the sewer cleanout is for the plumber.

Avoid

• Skip the chemical drain opener: it won't clear a main-line block and it burns whoever snakes the line next.
• Every flush upstairs adds more water to the basement.

Do now

• Set the gas valve to off (most homes here have gas heaters) or switch off the breaker.
• Close the cold-water valve on top of the tank.
• Move stored items away.

Avoid

• If you smell gas, leave the house and call the gas utility first.
• Don't open the drain or relief valve while the water is hot.

Do now

• Close the main shutoff before walking through the house.
• Turn off power to any room with water near outlets.
• Photograph everything before moving anything.

Avoid

• Don't turn the water back on until the source is found and repaired.