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That drip-drip-drip sound from your bathroom just woke you up at 3 AM. Your heart’s racing as you think about the damage water could do to your home.
Last month, one of our Rio Vista customers waited three days to call about what seemed like “just a few drops” under their sink. By the time our team at Plumbing Around The Clock arrived, that tiny leak had caused $15,000 in damage. Their insurance only covered part of the repairs because they’d waited too long to act.
This guide will show you:
Not every leak needs a 3 AM phone call. At Plumbing Around The Clock, we recommend this 30-second check to help you decide. First, look at where the water’s going. Water near electrical outlets or spreading to multiple rooms? That’s an emergency – call now. Same goes for any sewage backup or burst pipes.
Next, test your water pressure. Turn on a faucet – if the pressure’s super low or nothing comes out, you might have a major leak hiding in your walls. That needs quick action to stop serious damage.
But a small drip under the sink that’s contained in a bucket? That can probably wait till morning. A toilet that runs sometimes or a faucet that drips now and then? Schedule a regular appointment instead of paying emergency rates.
Found a leak? Don’t panic. Here’s what to do in the next 5 minutes: Know where your main water shutoff valve is – usually it’s near your water meter or where the main line enters your house. Turn it clockwise to stop all water flow. Take photos of everything for insurance. Put towels or buckets under the leak to catch water. If the leak’s in your ceiling, grab a screwdriver and poke a small hole in the center of the bulge – this helps control where the water goes and prevents ceiling collapse. Remember to keep kids and pets away from the affected area, and don’t touch any electrical switches if there’s standing water.
Stay away from these common mistakes: Don’t use hardware store leak-seal products – they often make things worse. Don’t ignore water stains on walls or ceilings, they usually mean bigger problems inside.
Here’s the real deal about leak costs in South Florida: Water damage hits different here because of our climate. That small leak you see? It’s feeding mold in your walls right now thanks to our high humidity. At Plumbing Around The Clock, we see this daily – what starts as a $200 fix can turn into $5,000 of repairs if you wait.
Insurance companies don’t like when you delay. They might not pay if you knew about a leak and didn’t fix it fast. Plus, our salty air makes pipes rust faster than up north. A leak today could mean total pipe replacement next month if you don’t act.
Living in Florida means dealing with hurricanes and hard water. Check your pipes every three months – look for green spots on copper pipes or rusty spots on others. Test your water pressure each season. If it’s dropping, you might have growing problems in your walls.
Want to sleep better? Put water sensors near your water heater and under sinks. They’re cheap and they’ll wake you up before that 3 AM drip becomes a flood. And here’s something most folks don’t know – if you’re leaving town during hurricane season, turn off your main water valve. A burst pipe during a storm can flood your whole house before anyone notices.
Call an emergency plumber right away if you spot:
At Plumbing Around The Clock, we’re always here for emergencies, but we want to save you from unnecessary fees. Take these quick steps now:
Remember that time and water damage never sleep in Fort Lauderdale. While most leaks can wait till morning, some just can’t. When in doubt, make the call. Better a false alarm than a flooded home.
Want to schedule a checkup before small problems become big ones? Call Plumbing Around The Clock for an inspection. We’ll help keep your home dry.
