When water is gushing everywhere, or a pipe has catastrophically burst in the middle of the night, only one thing is clear: you need help, and you need it fast. Plumbing emergencies can strike at any hour, and understanding the chaotic nature of these incidents is the first step to resolving them without incurring more damage or expenses. Choosing a 24/7 available emergency plumber is not just a convenience; it’s a necessity for the safety and integrity of your home. Here is why you should prioritize services that offer round-the-clock assistance and a quick response time, ensuring that your plumbing crisis is handled with utmost efficiency and expertise.

Common Emergency Plumbing Issues

When plumbing emergencies strike, they can cause significant inconvenience and even lead to property damage if not addressed rapidly. Understanding the most common emergency plumbing issues can help you react swiftly and make informed decisions when seeking professional help.

Leak Repairs: From Drips to Disasters

A small drip may not seem like a cause for alarm, but leaving leaks unattended can lead to more extensive damage over time. Whether it’s a leaking faucet or a hidden pipe leak, emergency plumbers are adept at identifying the source and fixing it promptly to avoid disasters.

The Dreaded Burst Pipes: Rapid Response Solutions

Burst pipes are the archetypal plumbing emergency, often resulting in significant water damage. Quick response is critical, and an emergency plumber can provide the necessary repairs or replacement to minimize the impact on your home.

Blocked Drains & Overflowing Toilets: Clearing the Chaos

Clogged drains and toilets can be more than just an inconvenience; they can also pose health risks if sewage backs up into your home. An emergency plumber specializes in clearing these blockages and restoring proper drainage to prevent overflows.

Water Heater Repairs: Restoring Your Comfort

A malfunctioning water heater can disrupt your daily routine, leaving you without hot water. Emergency plumbers can quickly diagnose and fix issues, ensuring you don’t have to suffer cold showers for long.

Sump Pump Failure: Preventing Basement Floods

For homes with sump pumps, a failure can lead to basement flooding, especially during heavy rainfalls. Emergency plumbers can provide urgent repairs or replacements to protect your basement from water damage.

Gas Line Issues: Prioritizing Your Safety

Problems with gas lines are serious and require immediate attention due to the risks of gas leaks. Emergency plumbers are trained to handle these issues safely and efficiently, ensuring your home remains safe.

Sewer Backups: Dealing with the Mess Efficiently

Sewer backups are not only unpleasant but also present health hazards. An emergency plumber has the tools and expertise to deal with these backups swiftly, mitigating the mess and potential contamination.

Frozen Pipes: Thawing Your Concerns Quickly

In cold climates, pipes can freeze and burst, leading to emergency situations. Thawing frozen pipes correctly is crucial to prevent damage, and emergency plumbers offer rapid solutions to resolve these issues.

Fixture Replacements: Swift Solutions for Broken Essentials

When fixtures like sinks, toilets, or taps are broken, it can significantly disrupt the functionality of your home. Emergency plumbers provide prompt fixture replacements to restore normalcy as quickly as possible.

Dealing with any of these emergency plumbing issues requires quick thinking and even faster action. An experienced emergency plumber is your best ally in addressing these problems and limiting the damage to your property.

Immediate Action Required: The Importance of Prompt Emergency Plumber Response

When plumbing crises strike, the clock starts ticking. Understanding why immediate action is critical can not only save you from extensive property damage but can also vastly reduce repair costs and preserve the integrity of your home’s plumbing system. Here’s why you should never hesitate to call an emergency plumber.

The Risks of Delaying Plumbing Repairs

Putting off emergency plumbing repairs can lead to a domino effect of complications. Small leaks can rapidly evolve into catastrophic floods, compromised pipes can lead to water contamination, and what might be a simple fix can balloon into a costly overhaul. Each minute lost enhances the threat to your property’s structure and your personal belongings.

How Quick Action Can Mitigate Water Damage

Immediate response to a plumbing emergency is crucial in limiting water damage. By promptly addressing leakage or bursts, you minimize the exposure of your furnishings, electronics, and structural elements to water, thereby preventing mold growth, wood rot, and irreversible damage to sensitive materials.

Emergency Vs. Regular Plumbing: The Critical Differences

Understanding the difference between emergency and regular plumbing services is pivotal. Unlike routine maintenance or planned repairs, emergency plumbing tackles pressing issues that pose immediate risks to your health, safety, and property. These professionals are equipped to handle urgent situations swiftly and effectively, averting potential disasters.

Availability: Emergency plumbers are available around the clock, ready to respond at a moment’s notice.
Tools and Techniques: They come prepared with the right tools and expertise to diagnose and fix urgent problems quickly.
Damage Prevention: Quick action can prevent further damage, which is critical in emergency scenarios that could escalate rapidly.

Recognize the vital role that timing plays in controlling a plumbing emergency. With expertise just a call away, safeguarding your home against the unthinkable becomes a manageable task. Do not let a small leak become a disaster—contact an emergency plumber immediately.

The Role of an Emergency Plumber

When a plumbing disaster strikes, the expertise and swift action of an emergency plumber can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a full-blown crisis. These professionals are the unsung heroes of the piping world, equipped to handle urgent situations with speed and efficiency.

The Expertise of Plumbers in Crisis Situations

An emergency plumber possesses a unique skill set tailored for immediate response to distress calls. They bring a wealth of experience to the table, often having to diagnose and repair issues on-the-spot, without the luxury of time. Their expertise enables them to quickly identify the root cause of a problem and implement a reliable solution.

Tackling Water-related Issues with Professionalism

Water leaks, burst pipes, and flooding are just a few scenarios where an emergency plumber becomes indispensable. In such events, a timely intervention is crucial to prevent water damage to property and belongings. A professional emergency plumber will prioritize these situations, working diligently to control and stop the flow of water, thereby minimizing the impact on your home or business.

Resolving Leak and Sewer Complications

Leak and sewer issues require not just swift action but also a thorough approach to ensure that the repairs last. An emergency plumber knows how to deal with complicated sewer backups and hidden leaks that could potentially compromise your property’s infrastructure. Their ability to address these complications with competence is what sets them apart from regular maintenance services.

In summary, the role of an emergency plumber is critical in managing urgent and severe plumbing concerns. Their rapid response and specialized knowledge are invaluable when it comes to protecting your property from extensive damage and restoring your peace of mind.

Emergency Plumbing Tips: What to Do While You Wait

Dealing with a plumbing emergency can be stressful, but taking the right steps while waiting for a professional emergency plumber can help minimize damage and prepare your home for a quick and effective fix. Here are some crucial tips to help you manage the situation before help arrives:

Immediate Steps to Minimize Damage

Shut Off the Water: If a pipe has burst or there’s another major water issue, locate the main shut-off valve for your home’s water supply and turn it off to prevent further damage.
Switch Off Electricity: For leaks near electrical appliances or outlets, shut off the power at the circuit breaker as a safety precaution.
Clear the Area: Move furniture and valuables away from the affected area to protect them from water damage.

How to Manage Water Problems Until Help Arrives

Contain the Leak: Use buckets, bowls, or towels to collect dripping water. If the ceiling is bulging, pierce a small hole in the middle to let water flow through and prevent the ceiling from collapsing.
Unclog Drains If Possible: If the emergency involves a blockage, try using a plunger. Avoid chemical cleaners, especially if you’ve already called a plumber—they may not appreciate the surprise!
Monitor Water Levels: Keep an eye on any overflows, especially in basements where water can accumulate rapidly.

Preparing for the Plumber’s Arrival

Provide Clear Access: Ensure the plumber has clear access to the problem area. This means removing any household items that might be in the way.
Gather Information: Be ready to explain the problem in detail, including when it started, any actions you’ve taken, and what seems to trigger the issue.
Follow Safety Measures: If advised by your plumber, evacuate the area or home if there’s a risk of sewage backup or extensive water damage.

Remember, while these tips can help mitigate immediate issues, they are temporary measures. The expertise of an emergency plumber is vital to ensure the problem is properly diagnosed and resolved. Don’t hesitate to call for professional assistance right away.

Preventative Maintenance Services to Avoid Emergencies

Plumbing emergencies can be stressful and costly. However, many such emergencies can be prevented with the right maintenance approach. By understanding the value of preventative maintenance, you can protect your property and avoid the panic and expense of an urgent plumbing situation.

Investing in Regular Checks to Save Time and Money

Consistent check-ups on your plumbing system are a wise investment. Not only do they save you from the potential havoc of an emergency but also save time and money in the long run. When potential issues are identified early on, simpler and less expensive solutions can usually be employed.

How Preventative Maintenance Can Reduce Emergency Call Outs

Periodic maintenance plays a crucial role in reducing the likelihood of surprises in your plumbing system. Here’s how:

Early Detection: Regular inspections can detect minor issues before they escalate into full-blown emergencies.
System Longevity: Like any well-maintained machine, a plumbing system that receives consistent care is likely to last longer and perform better.
Peace of Mind: Knowing that your plumbing system is in good condition can give you the assurance that you’re unlikely to face sudden breakdowns.

Flooded Basement caused by Burst Pipe Indianapolis Indiana

This is a real-world basement flood caused by a burst pipe near Indianapolis, Indiana. Our water damage case studies help answer questions about water restoration services, emergency plumbing services and water damage insurance claims. We hope you find the answers to your questions.

Water Damage Restoration Customer Review

“Brian, Corbin, Danny and team were awesome. They run their business and treat their customers like friends and family – regular communications, attention to detail, customer focused, super responsive, and high quality. We had not one, but two water incidents in our basement and first floor and there was extensive clean up, mitigation, repair to carpets, hardwood floors, kitchen cabinets/back splashes and walls. They put together a coordinated and efficient plan to get everything done and always delivered on time and on budget. We also had a bunch of other work / contractors going on at the same time and they managed through all of it seamlessly. They worked very well with our insurance company and helped expedite getting the claims processed and paid. These guys are true professionals and the thing we most appreciated was the constant communications, keeping us up to date, being honest about challenges, issues, and timelines but all the while providing positive reassurances. These guys will be the first people we call if we have any future issues. Thanks Restorex!” Below is a list of questions we hope to answer. What caused the basement to flood? How to get insurance to pay for water damage? How did the emergency service plumber fix the problem and how much did it cost? What water mitigation services were needed to remove the water and cleanup the basement? Was the water damage covered by the homeowner’s insurance company? How to get insurance to pay for water damage? How much did the water damage restoration services cost? What was needed to complete the water damage repairs?

What caused the Basement to Flood?

The basement was flooded by a frozen burst pipe. The water line was installed in a ceiling that was near a crawlspace. Cold air was able to blow through the crawlspace and freeze the copper pipe causing it to burst and flood the basement. When water freezes it will expand causing the pipe to break or burst. This will reveal itself in a small opening in a water pipe. The water damage doesn’t occur immediately. Sometimes it takes a couple of days before the burst pipe thaws out and the water begins flooding the basement.

How to get insurance to pay for water damage?

An insurance company will pay for water damage for many reasons. A water damage insurance claim can be difficult for any homeowner to navigate on their own because of all the unknowns and inexperience, you don’t know what you don’t know. Dealing with an insurance adjuster after water damage can be much easier if you are working with a professional water damage restoration contractor. An experienced water damage company can help you work through the details of water damage insurance coverage and walk a homeowner through a water damage claim process. Restorex Disaster Restoration specializes in water damage insurance claims and helping our customers decide if they should file an insurance claim for water damage. We are able to give our customers peace of mind to let them know what type of water damage is covered by homeowners insurance. Once the homeowner places an insurance claim, Restorex takes care of the question – “How to get insurance to pay for water damage”.

How did the Emergency Service Plumber fix the problem and how much did it cost?

The service plumber uses a shark bite or a brass push to connect fitting to replace the broken pipe. The only section that needs to be replaced is the small area where the break is located. Usually a service plumber will use a 6 inch nipple to make the repair with 2 push to connect fittings on either end of the nipple. The plumber will need to shut off the main water supply line to in order to make the burst pipe repair. A service plumber’s hourly rate can range between $100 – $200 per hour during normal business hours. A small pipe fix like this can range between 1-2 hours depending on how long it takes the plumber to access the broken pipe. Now if the plumber is coming out in the middle of the night or on a weekend the hourly rate can increase substantially.

What Water Mitigation Services were needed to remove the water and cleanup the flooded basement?

Finding Water Damage

In order to find the what was wet in the basement we used a non-invasive moisture meter. These moisture meters can read the moisture content of the wet building materials to determine how much was damaged from the basement flood.

Water Extraction

Every water mitigation project begins with water extraction. The water extraction equipment used to remove the water depends on the flooring in the basement. This basement had wet carpet and pad installed over a concrete slab. The wet carpet and pad were extracted using a weighted extractor that uses 2 large vacuums and a large wheel to push and suck the water out of the carpet. It is amazing how much water can be removed from carpet in a flooded basement.

Material Removals

The materials that get removed can be different on every water damage project. On this project the carpet and pad were determined to be non-salvageable because the furniture had stained the carpet. Therefore, we had to do carpet removal after the dry out was complete. (We wanted to wait for an Insurance Adjuster approval before we removed the carpet from the basement). baseboard in order to dry it out. Once the baseboards are removed, we always drill or pop holes 16 inches on center to make sure we are drying every wall cavity that is wet from the water damage. On this particular project we did not cut wet drywall because the bottom half of the wall was a built using wood panels and the walls were not insulated. If the walls are insulated, we always cut the wall up 1 to 2 feet in order to remove the wet insulation in the wall.

Water Damage Equipment

Once all of the removals are complete, we set water damage fans and dehumidifiers designed to dry out a wet basement. The equipment we use to dry out flooded basements are specifically designed to speed up the drying process. The dehumidifier we used on this project was a XXL Low Grain Refrigerant dehumidifier and we used air movers distributed around the basement in order to increase the rate of evaporation. Every water mitigation project needs to have air movement, heat and dehumidification to get the basement structure back to its original moisture content. The drying process do not stop until all of the wet building materials are returned to their original moisture content.

Was the water damage covered by the homeowner’s insurance company?

Yes. The homeowner’s insurance policy covered the water damage restoration services, including the water mitigation services and water damage repairs. Does homeowners insurance cover water damage from a broken pipe? The answer is Yes. Read below for water damage insurance claim tips.

The insurance company covered the damages because the broken pipe was accidental and all of a sudden. Typically, water damage caused by broken or burst pipes are covered under a homeowner’s insurance policy up to the limits of the home.

Therefore, there were no coverage limits or issues with this water damage insurance claim.

How much did the water damage restoration services cost?

The cost of water damage restoration services varies on every project. Xactimate is an estimating software that uses individual line items to estimate all water mitigation services and water damage repair services to very detailed accuracy. Restorex Disaster Restoration uses Xactimate to work directly with our customer’s insurance companies. This water damage restoration project had 29 line items for the water mitigation and 32 line items for the water damage repairs and cost approximately $5,000 for the water mitigation services and $18,000.00 for the repairs. The homeowner’s insurance company paid for all the water damage restoration services and our customer was only responsible to pay their insurance deductible.

What was needed to complete the water damage repairs?

The services needed to make the basement flood repairs are included below:

Carpet and pad install
Repair holes drilled in the wood paneling
Paint and Install Baseboards
Paint the Walls
Repair drop ceiling grid and replace ceiling tiles
Install new electrical panel affected by water damage

Professional Water Damage Contractor in Indianapolis

If you are experiencing a water damage emergency in Indianapolis or the Surrounding Areas and need a local Water Damage Professional to help, give us a call (317) 315-5071.

Judith Lysaker

29. August, 2022.

The guys were great!! On time professional and polite.

Steven Cline

25. August, 2022.

We had a accident that caused major damage to our house, Called Restorex and they came and assessed it the afternoon we called for help. They stabilized the walls and made sure we were safe. The next day Brian was here to tear out carpet and damaged drywall and take away the damaged remains the next day. We felt totally comfortable with Van and Doug who came every day to work on the house. Our house turned out beautifully. I can't say enough about their confidence and total control of the repairs. Every concern we had Brian would say "I'll take care of that", He did all the insurance communication and all coordination of the different required services and it all came together with quality work seamlessly. We would recommend them to anyone who needs restoration, painting, electrical, plumbing, and flooring. They cleaned up every day before leaving and moved all of our stuff around for us. We can't thank them enough.

Chelsea Overstreet

9. August, 2022.

Corbin, Terry, and the team at Restorex are absolutely pros! They helped us when our basement flooded and got the job down right. They also communicated with our insurance adjuster. If you have any restoration needs in your home, they should be your first call and only phone call.

Eva Antonova

6. August, 2022.

Very professional and friendly. Great service, awesome people.

Michael Scisney

21. July, 2022.

Corbin was very professional, polite and was a huge big help in the process of restoration to my basement.

Rebecca Christner

14. July, 2022.

Corbin and his crew were great! Came right away when our basement flooded and worked with our insurance company to help us get it back in order! Highly recommend!

Josh Romine

I had a pipe in my basement ceiling leak and we didn’t realize it until the paint on the drywall started to bubble up. I reached out to Restorex to help assess the damage once the leak was fixed by a plumber. It was easy to get in contact with them and they were super responsive. Corbin came out to my house and did the evaluation. He was friendly and very knowledgeable of water damage and the necessary repairs. He explained how to dry out the walls to prevent mold and then explained how I could patch the drywall myself to save some money. He didn’t charge for the evaluation. Overall I was very satisfied with my experience with Restorex and I would definitely use them again if I run into an issue in the future.

Lisa Maloney

Corbin came to give me a quote for restoration and was extremely thorough and knowledgeable in discussing my issue with me. He took the time to explain things to me, which my other restoration company did not, and let me know what could be done to remediate. The quote was also significantly less than the other provider. I would highly recommend him based on his knowledge and willingness to help. Seemed to have good ethics and put me as the customer first.

Brett Wood

25. May, 2022.

Top notch company! From the moment I called Restorex, they spent considerable time explaining the process of water remediation, how the insurance claim process would work, and assuring me that this would be handled with care and competence. The crews that came to my house were polite, professional, clean, and very efficient. They worked around my two small children and dogs the whole time, and truly made us feel like they were taking care of us; not just doing a job. They even sent someone over the weekend to check on the equipment and make sure we were doing ok and didn’t have any questions or concerns. This company’s work was top notch, and they went the extra mile and made us feel like family while they did it all. I can truly say I would never use another company for this type of work.

Joseph Farrell

22. April, 2022.

Restorex was quick to come out after our sump pump float failed to engage the pump. They ran a machine over the basement carpet to try to pull the water out and into the sump pit after the pump was working. Afterwards, they installed about 20 fans and 2 large dehumidifiers for 3 days to continue to dry out the carpet. Very friendly and easy to talk to guys.

Case Studies