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120 Liberty Street
(848) 305-9945

Recognizing True Plumbing Emergencies

Understanding what constitutes a genuine plumbing emergency helps homeowners make informed decisions about when to call for immediate assistance. Major water leaks, particularly those affecting multiple floors or near electrical systems, require immediate professional intervention. Sewage backups pose serious health risks through bacterial contamination and require specialized equipment for safe removal and sanitization. Complete loss of water service, especially during extreme temperatures, impacts basic hygiene and can affect heating systems that rely on water circulation.

Gas leaks detected near water heaters represent another critical emergency requiring immediate evacuation and professional response. Frozen pipes during winter months can burst without warning, releasing hundreds of gallons of water per hour into living spaces. Our technicians regularly respond to overflowing toilets that won’t stop running despite shutoff attempts, failed sump pumps during storms, and water heater ruptures that flood basements or utility rooms. Each situation demands specific expertise, proper safety equipment, and proven techniques that our experienced team brings to every emergency call throughout Garfield, Hackensack, Hasbrough, Lodi, Passaic, Saddlebrook, Edison Township, Hasbrouck Heights, Highland Park, and Woodbridge, NJ.

Our Comprehensive Emergency Response Process

When you contact First Choice Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical for emergency service, our systematic approach ensures efficient resolution while minimizing property damage. Upon arrival, our technicians immediately assess the situation, locating and shutting off relevant water supplies to stop active flooding. We deploy industrial-grade water extraction equipment when necessary, removing standing water that threatens flooring, drywall, and furnishings. Our team then performs thorough diagnostics using advanced camera inspection technology, pressure testing equipment, and electronic leak detection systems to identify root causes accurately.

Temporary repairs often precede permanent solutions, allowing us to restore basic functionality while planning comprehensive repairs. We document damage extensively for insurance purposes, providing detailed reports that expedite claim processing. Our technicians explain every step, ensuring full transparency about necessary repairs, available options, and associated timelines. We offer multiple repair alternatives when possible, including financing options that make emergency repairs manageable for any budget.

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Common Emergency Scenarios We Handle

  • Burst pipe flooding: Winter freezes and aging infrastructure cause pipes to rupture, requiring immediate water shutoff, extraction, and replacement
  • Sewer line backups: Tree root intrusion, collapsed pipes, and severe blockages send sewage into homes through drains and toilets
  • Water heater failures: Tank ruptures and severe leaks demand rapid response to prevent extensive water damage and restore hot water service
  • Main line breaks: Underground pipe failures create yard flooding and complete water service loss
  • Gas line issues: Detected leaks near appliances require immediate shut-off and professional repair to ensure safety

Preventing Future Emergency Situations

While our 24/7 emergency services provide peace of mind, preventive maintenance significantly reduces emergency call likelihood. Regular professional inspections identify deteriorating pipes, developing leaks, and potential failure points before catastrophic events occur. Annual water heater maintenance extends equipment life while detecting early warning signs of tank failure. Seasonal preparations, including pipe insulation and outdoor faucet winterization, prevent freeze-related emergencies during cold snaps affecting Greater Bergen County.

Our maintenance programs include thorough evaluations of supply lines, checking for corrosion, mineral buildup, and pressure irregularities that precede failures. We inspect emergency shutoff valves, ensuring they function properly when needed most. Video inspections of main sewer lines reveal developing root intrusions and pipe deterioration requiring attention. Our experienced technicians educate homeowners about warning signs, including unusual sounds, slow drainage patterns, and water pressure fluctuations indicating brewing problems. By investing in regular maintenance with First Choice Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical, property owners throughout Garfield, Hackensack, Hasbrough, Lodi, Passaic, Saddlebrook, Edison Township, Hasbrouck Heights, Highland Park, and Woodbridge, NJ significantly reduce emergency incident frequency while extending plumbing system longevity.

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What They're Saying
Customer Reviews

Dave and Eli from First Choice did an excellent job installing a toilet in my home. They arrived on time, were professional and clean, and completed the work quickly with top-quality results. Highly recommend!

Gvido T

The First Choice techs are always great but Angel was particularly outstanding today. He did a very thorough maintenance and cleaning check. He was super patient with all of my questions and really helped us plan out preventative maintenance on our system. Highly recommend Angel and First Choice!

Cassandra S

Had a plumbing, piece of water brass pipe replaced under deck and valve installed. Eli was great in giving few different options and suggestions for best method. I was very
happy with same day service and work.

Rupal B

Angel Garcia is the best!!! First Choice has just been great about upgrading my systems. They are neat and their work is impeccable and very pretty. I have used them since 1987 and have no complaints. Angel has been wonderful about making sure we have what we need. He feels like my personal consultant, but all the folks there are so helpful and responsive. Highly highly recommend them.

Barbara M

I have depended upon First Choice for several years to address all my heating and cooling needs and have never been disappointed
Techs have always been knowledgeable and technically competent, in addition to which
courteous and respectful.
I would prefer my heating and cooling needs to be minor but at least I am comforted by knowing this company is always prepared to handle any issue which this household may face, thus I highly recommend First Choice

John M

A service person named Angel quickly diagnosed and fixed the issue with my AC. He was very professional. I was so happy with the experience that I signed up for a yearly maintenance contract. I found First Choice based on good local Facebook feedback and I am so glad that I did!

Ann Marie Regan

I had my annual maintenance today for my boiler and mini splits and couldn’t be happier with the service. Angel Garcia from First Choice Plumbing and HVAC went above and beyond. He was patient when I asked questions, very thorough, and took great care of everything like it was his own home. You can tell he truly loves what he does, and that the company really values its people. Highly recommend Angel and the First Choice team!

Chris R

I had a leaking toilet and gave First Choice a call. They responded quickly and sent someone out the same day. Jordan was very professional, diagnosed the problem right away, and fixed it without any hassle. The leak is gone, and everything works perfectly now. Highly recommend!

Joan

5 Stars! We had a fantastic experience with First Choice. They installed two new HVAC systems for our business, and the team of Jeff, Ethan, and Joey was professional, efficient, and great to work with. Highly recommend!

Eddie M

First Choice came out today for my annual A/C maintenance, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the experience. Lenny Z was the technician — he was professional, courteous, and right on time. He made sure everything was running efficiently before he left. I highly recommend First Choice for anyone looking for reliable, top-notch service for their HVAC !

Howard Z

We had Alex Dicrosta of First Choice come check our furnace today because it was leaking water when the AC was on. Alex diagnosed the issue quickly that it was a clogged pipe going from the water pump. He unclogged the pipe and confirmed that was the cause of the leak. Alex is extreme knowledgeable, friendly, and customer focused. He even checked the rest of the unit to make sure everything was working properly before he left. I will definitely request Alex the next time I need AC or heating service from First Choice.

Rich R

We had 2 new hvac systems and a hot water heater replaced and WOW cannot say enough good things about all 4 guys that did the work. Efficient, caring, knowledgeable and all professional. We highly recommend First Choice, from our initial meeting with Ryan to the completion of the installation. Thank you for a perfect job!

Debbie D

First Choice heating & cooling sent a very professional repair man named Angel who did an amazing job doing some electrical work to get my A/C unit working late on a Friday evening. He responded within hours and got the A/C up and running on this super hot day. Thank you Angel from First Choice in Metuchen, NJ! I highly recommend them!

Doris Cruz

Angel came for a complimentary service after a new HVAC was installed this past winter. Angel was extremely helpful and informative. Was at the house for about an hour showing me different ways to have better airflow and also switched out filters. Would highly recommend !!

Joseph G