
Do you like feeling prepared to handle any situation that might arise? You’d benefit from knowing the ins and outs of emergency plumbing situations. As Winnipeg’s certified plumber, King’s Services can tell you everything you should know about preparing for plumbing emergencies and how to prevent them.
Winnipeg’s Most Common Plumbing Emergencies
Though Winnipeg has cold, freezing winters, you could experience plumbing issues any time of year.
Burst Pipes
Did you know that Winnipeg has an average temperature below zero for five months of the year? This puts your plumbing at severe risk of freezing and bursting. However, pipes can burst even during the height of summer.
You should always consider a burst pipe an emergency. Even a small leak can cause serious water damage, leading to mould growth in as little as 24 hours. Call for emergency service once you notice the signs of a leaking or busted pipe.
Gas Leaks
A gas leak is the most dangerous plumbing emergency you can experience. It puts your home or business at serious risk of explosion, so you need immediate service. Utility companies infuse natural gas with a sulfuric or rotten egg smell so you can easily detect it.
If you believe you have a gas leak, leave the house immediately without flipping a light switch or using any electronics. Even the smallest spark can cause an explosion. Once you’re a safe distance away, call your utility company to shut off your gas supply, then call us for repairs.
Clogs
We consider clogs an emergency because they can cause water damage and burst pipes. Whether you have a stubborn clog in your toilet or another drain, you need professional help. Using store-bought cleaners can quickly corrode your pipes, causing more problems than you fixed.
No Hot Water
Especially in winter, if you can’t get hot water, you need help to stay safe and comfortable. Let us promptly diagnose and fix your water heater problems so you can return to warm showers and clean dishes.
How To Handle Plumbing Emergencies in Winnipeg
When you encounter an emergency plumbing situation, time is of the essence. Don’t delay performing the following steps.
Shut Off Water
First, you should shut off the water to prevent further damage. Do you know where you can find your water shutoff valve? If you don’t know where it is, you should locate it immediately for when you need it.
You can find your water shutoff valve in one of the following locations:
- In your basement, on the wall closest to the street
- Outside on an exterior wall
- Between the sidewalk and the curb for municipal water valves
The valve likely has a round handle that resembles your hose spigot. It may also be rectangular. Turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water.
Shut Off Gas
For safety reasons, you should exit the house and have your utility company shut off the gas. If you insist on shutting it off yourself, use the same method as shutting off the water. It usually has a red or yellow handle, and you might find it outside your home near the gas meter.
Stay Safe
Your primary concern during an emergency is staying safe. A leaking gas line is the most dangerous situation you could encounter, but a busted pipe or clogged drain may not pose an immediate threat to your health or safety. You should also evacuate if you have a sewer backup, as it produces toxic fumes that could have serious health complications.
Regardless, keep your vulnerable children and pets away from the area, and if you’re not in physical danger, make efforts to protect your belongings as well.
Call for Help
Never delay calling for help, even if your family and property aren’t in immediate danger. We are available every hour of every day to provide prompt and effective service. Your safety is our top priority, so don’t worry about the inconvenience of emergency plumbing services.
Preventing Plumbing Emergencies
Looking toward the future of the plumbing industry, it’s possible we might one day have a way to completely prevent plumbing emergencies, but until then, you can take several steps to significantly reduce the chance of a dire situation by relying on our expertise.
Regular Maintenance
Scheduling annual maintenance for your plumbing is the best thing you can do for your system. During the appointment, the plumber will check your water pressure, look for damage, and identify potential issues before they become emergencies.
You may feel concerned about the cost of regular inspections, but consider it an investment. The cumulative cost still pales in comparison to the expense of fixing and cleaning up after a serious plumbing emergency.
Avoidance of DIY Solutions
Even if the solution seems simple, you should never DIY plumbing work. Something as simple as a store-bought drain cleaner could worsen the damage over time. When you need plumbing work, always count on the pros to give you the peace of mind of a job done right.
Vigilant Disposal Habits
Clogged drains are a common source of plumbing emergencies, so when you watch what you send down your sink or garbage disposal, you can avoid a large percentage of your issues. Refrain from putting the following substances down your drain:
- ‘Flushable” products like wipes
- Sanitation products other than toilet paper, such as diapers or feminine hygiene products
- Course and clumpy materials like coffee grounds or kitty litter
- Leftover pharmaceuticals or medications
- Cleaning supplies like bleach or drain cleaners
- Fats, oils, and grease from food
- Fibrous food byproducts like banana peels
- Soil from potted plants
Schedule Emergency Plumbing Services With King’s Services
Don’t delay calling King’s Services when facing an emergency plumbing situation. Whether you need pipe leak repairs or have a gas leak, we’ll arrive promptly and return ultimate safety and comfort to your home. Our team members are ready 24/7 to answer your call.
You can book an appointment by contacting us online or calling 431-532-5623.












