What Do I Do If…? Plumbing Advice for Franklin & Jefferson County Homeowners
Plumbing problems always seem to happen at the worst times. At Posey Family Plumbing, we want to help our neighbors in Washington, Union, St. Clair, and across Franklin & Jefferson Counties handle emergencies safely until we arrive. Here are answers to the most common “what do I do if…” plumbing questions.
What Do I Do If My Water Heater Stops Working?
- Check the breaker (electric) or pilot light (gas).
- If the tank is leaking, shut off the water supply and power immediately.
- Avoid DIY draining — water heaters can be dangerous.
- 👉 Call Posey Family Plumbing for water heater repair or replacement.
What Do I Do If My Drain Is Completely Clogged?
- Stop using water and contact us immediately.
- Skip chemical cleaners — they eat away at pipes.
- If you are on a city sewer system and water is coming up into your home and you are not using any water call 911 and have the city inspect their main lines. There is likely a blockage in the city main.
- 👉 We offer safe drain cleaning with augers, hydro jetting, and camera inspections.
What Do I Do If My Toilet Won’t Stop Running?
- Check if the flapper in the tank is sealing properly.
- Wiggle the float to make sure it isn’t stuck.
- If water is leaking onto the floor, shut off the supply valve behind the toilet.
- 👉 If it keeps running, call us for affordable toilet repair.
What Do I Do If My Pipes Freeze in the Winter?
- Shut off the main water valve to prevent bursting.
- Slowly thaw with a hair dryer or space heater (never use open flames).
- If a pipe has already burst, keep water shut off and call us immediately.
- 👉 Posey Family Plumbing repairs frozen and burst pipes fast.
What Do I Do If My Sump Pump Stops Working?
- Check the power source and reset GFCI outlet.
- Make sure the float switch isn’t jammed.
- Clear debris from the sump pit.
- 👉 If it won’t run, schedule sump pump repair before the next storm.
What Do I Do If My Water Pressure Drops Suddenly?
- Test multiple faucets — is it one fixture or the whole house?
- Check for visible leaks or water pooling.
- A failing pressure reducing valve (PRV) may need replacement.
- 👉 Call us to diagnose low water pressure and restore flow.
What Do I Do If My Yard Hydrant or Hose Bib Leaks?
- Turn off the outdoor water supply (usually inside the basement).
- Avoid using the hydrant or bib until it’s fixed.
- Leaks can waste gallons of water and damage foundations.
- 👉 We repair and replace frost-free hose bibs and yard hydrants.
What Do I Do If My Garbage Disposal Stops Working?
- Press the reset button on the bottom of the unit.
- Make sure the breaker hasn’t tripped.
- If jammed, never put your hand inside — use a hex key to clear it.
- 👉 If it still won’t run, we install and repair disposals.
What Do I Do If I Smell Gas Near My Water Heater?
- Leave the area immediately — don’t turn on lights or appliances.
- Shut off the gas supply if safe to do so.
- Call your gas company for emergency response.
- 👉 After the gas company clears it, call us for water heater service.
What Do I Do If My Basement Starts Flooding?
- Shut off power at the breaker if water is near outlets.
- If safe, turn off the main water supply.
- Move valuables to higher ground.
- 👉 We provide sump pump installs, drain clearing, and emergency plumbing repairs.
Need Help with a Plumbing Emergency? Call Posey Family Plumbing.
Whether it’s a water heater, sump pump, or frozen pipe, our family-owned plumbing company is here to help. Serving Washington, Union, St. Clair, and all of Franklin & Jefferson Counties — we provide honest pricing, free estimates, and service you can trust.
We're here when you need us
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