When to call O'Leary: emergency plumbing checklist

Step 1: contain the immediate damage

Burst pipe or active leak

1. Shut off the main water valve. Usually in the basement or utility room, near where the water service enters the house. Turn clockwise to close.
2. Open a low-elevation faucet (basement utility sink, lowest hose bib) to drain the pipes and reduce pressure.
3. Move belongings away from water. Put towels or a wet/dry vac on the floor.
4. Take photos for insurance.
5. Call us: (262) 642-7747.

No heat in winter

1. Check the thermostat (correct mode, fresh batteries).
2. Check the breaker for the furnace - reset if tripped.
3. Check that gas / propane valve is open. If you smell gas, evacuate and call WE Energies (or your propane supplier) + 911 first, then us.
4. Check the filter - a fully clogged filter trips the high-limit switch.
5. Call us. If pipes are at freeze risk, mention that on the call.

No hot water

1. Check that the breaker hasn't tripped (electric heater) or that the pilot is lit (older gas; modern models have electronic ignition).
2. Look for any visible water leak at the bottom of the tank - that signals tank failure, not a control issue.
3. If the tank is leaking, shut off the water inlet and gas/electric to the unit.
4. Call us.

Sewer backup

1. Stop using water immediately. Every flush makes the backup worse.
2. Avoid contact with the sewage - its a real biohazard.
3. Open the basement floor cleanout if you have one (clockwise to open, slowly, with a bucket ready).
4. Photograph the backup for insurance.
5. Call us. Backups are 24/7 emergencies.

Frozen pipes

1. Locate the suspect frozen section (a wall, a crawlspace, the rim joist).
2. Shut off the main valve as a precaution against burst-on-thaw.
3. Open the affected faucet so water can flow once thawing.
4. Apply gentle heat: hairdryer, warm towels, space heater (never an open flame). Start near the faucet, work toward the cold section.
5. If you can't find the freeze or can't safely thaw it, call us.

Smell of gas

1. Get everyone out of the house immediately. Do not flip switches, do not use the phone inside the house, do not start a car in the attached garage.
2. From outside, call your gas/propane supplier emergency line and 911.
3. Once safe, call us to investigate and repair.

What "emergency" means at O'Leary

We answer 24/7. Our after-hours dispatcher reaches a licensed plumber or HVAC tech directly. Average response time on a true emergency in the Lake Country area is [verify: 60-90 minutes from dispatch]; longer in severe weather or extreme outage events when the entire region is in crisis at once.

What we ask on the call

• Your address.
• A callback number.
• What system: plumbing, heating, electrical, water quality?
• The symptom (no water, no heat, water on the floor, etc.).
• What you've already shut off (main valve, breaker, gas valve).
• Pets to be aware of.

Save these numbers now

• O'Leary 24/7: (262) 642-7747
• WE Energies gas leak: 800-261-5325
• Wisconsin Public Service emergency: 800-450-7260
• Your homeowners insurance claim line.
• Your propane suppliers emergency line.

Action

• Save our number now. The time to find an emergency plumber is not at 2 AM with water on the floor.
• Maintenance plan members get priority emergency response.