Plumbing emergencies are sometimes inevitable and quite common in many residential properties. For instance, you may encounter an overflowing toilet, pipe leaks, clogged drains, burst pipes, or a sewer backup once in a while. And if you experience these issues for the first time, it’s natural to be confused or even feel overwhelmed, especially if you aren’t sure what to do next.
With that in mind, it’s best to know and familiarize yourself with ways to deal with such plumbing emergencies. To start, you may need to equip yourself with the necessary plumbing tools, such as a plunger, leak-sealing tape, wrench, and screwdriver, among others. This can come in handy, as it’ll allow you to do the basic repairs needed. However, note that some repair works require technical skills. And so, it helps to have an emergency plumber in your contacts. You can check out this link or ask for recommendations from family and friends regarding professional service providers.
Aside from having the right plumbing tools, here are some quick steps to take when faced with a plumbing emergency at home.
- Turn Off Water Valves
The first thing to do in case of a plumbing emergency is to cut off your water supply immediately. If you’re dealing with an overflowing toilet or leaking faucet, turn off the valve that brings water into these fixtures. Perhaps you’ve got a leak and can’t stop it by shutting off a nearby valve, or you have a more significant problem on your hands. In such cases, cut off your home’s water supply from the main valve.
After shutting off valves in your house, open the drains and turn on your faucets. This can help ensure that all the water in your plumbing system is flushed out. Also, doing this can help channel any excess water in pipes away from where a leak may be.
This quick measure can help you prevent catastrophic water damage in your bathroom, kitchen, or more so, your entire house. Also, doing this can help you save money on the cost of possible expensive restorations and a huge water bill caused by the water that may have gone to waste.
- Fix What You Can
After shutting off your home’s water supply, consider looking for anything that you can fix. To do this, you first have to establish and determine the source of the problem. If you’re in a new home, check out the copy of your house’s plumbing plan. Upon understanding your property’s pipe and plumbing layout, it can be easier to assess and identify the cause of your problem.
If you’re dealing with sewer backup, locate the cleanout, which might most likely be outside the house. After finding it, remove the cap on it to force sewage out. If you have clogged drains, a plunger can help unblock them.
However, note that if you’re dealing with a complex issue, fixing it yourself might not be a good idea. A do-it-yourself plumbing job without substantial experience or training could cause further damage that may be more costly to fix.
With that in mind, consider an effective temporary solution while waiting for the service provider to arrive. For instance, in case of leaks, you can use sealing tape or wrap the leaking pipe or fixture with towels or rugs to control the leakage. You can also take charge of the situation by clearing the affected site with any valuables that may be damaged. Doing so can also help prepare the area, so once your plumber arrives, they can immediately and easily attend to the problem.
- Call An Emergency Plumber
It’s always advisable to call an emergency plumber as soon as you encounter a problem with your water system. However, before they get to you, the two steps provided above can help prevent an issue from escalating. Some companies or independent professionals work around the clock. You can call them at any time, and they’ll come to help you out, even in the middle of the night. A good expert will tell you what to do as you wait for them.
Among the factors to consider when hiring an emergency plumber are their reputation in the industry, experience, licenses, and insurance. A local expert or company is also better because they’ll be able to respond much faster, helping you feel less stressed about your home’s plumbing situation. Besides, their charges may also be lower, considering their transport isn’t a significant expense for them.
Wrapping Up
Plumbing emergencies in homes are sometimes inevitable. Therefore, you must be prepared. Ensure you always have a good plumber you can call and the right tools in your house. Call your emergency plumber immediately if you experience an unexpected situation with your water lines. As you wait for them to arrive, turn off the water valves and only fix what you can.