An emergency of any kind could happen at any time and anywhere, and this would include plumbing problems.
They tend to sneak up on the home’s residents when they least expect it, and some don’t know how to deal with these emergencies.
Luckily, there are a few things a person can do before calling for a professional plumbing service that will help the residents through the ordeal.
Water spouting out of each possible crevice and needing to dry up all the surfaces could come as part of the deal, but the quicker the response, the faster the cleanup.
With that said, here are some pro tips on what to do in a plumbing emergency. When it seems like the flood gates have opened in the home, run through the information below:
1. Turn Off The Main Water Line
The first thing any homeowner with a plumbing problem should do is to turn off the main water line that supplies the whole house with water.
Before you visit this site or call another reputable plumber for assistance, save the home from excess leaking water by knowing where the main water cut-off is.
Each home will have the switch located at a different part of the home, so look for the one for that specific home and turn it off as soon as possible in an emergency.
When phoning the plumber, notify them that it is closed, so they won’t have to look for the main water line.
2. Switch Off The Hot Water Supply
When the main line is closed off, no water will flow into or through the hot water system. Whether the home has a standard geyser or gas heater for their water, it could cause damage to the hardware if they remain switched on.
Homeowners should make switching off the hot water the first important step after turning off the water supply to the home.
Remembering that these go together will make an emergency easier, not to mention all the costs it will save when the house doesn’t need a new geyser or water heater.
3. Attempt To Manage The Problem
Although homeowners don’t have training as plumbers, they can attempt to stop water from flowing from a burst pipe or tighten a leaky faucet until professional help arrives.
Along with shutting off the water supply to the home, the homeowner or residents can apply makeshift measures that may control the leak or damage for a short time.
Another thing they can do to minimize damage to the floors, cupboards, and other home items is to start drying off the water using towels.
Not only will this protect the home from further water damage, but it would also make for a more pleasant work environment for the plumber so they can quickly notice where the water is coming from when they arrive.
4. Check For Blocked Drains And Open Them
An overflowing sink or backflow in the toilet could have a blocked drain as the root cause. Sometimes the blockage is superficial, and the residents can remove it quickly, but there may be more extensive blockages deeper into the drain or pipe that they will simply not reach.
For these instances, the family should phone a reputable plumber immediately after removing any visible debris.
Taking out all the items that could cause further or more significant blockages will help some of the water drains and prevent overflowing of the sink or toilet.
5. Keep A List Of Emergency Numbers
Having a plumbing expert on hand when you need one is always an excellent idea. Emergencies don’t only happen to be medical; they could be an after-hours plumbing problem too.
The home will need a registered, knowledgeable plumber available during all hours if they suddenly need assistance.
Always keep at least two or three contact numbers for plumbers on an emergency contact list in the home where everyone will have access to it.
If the problem needs solving immediately and someone has to phone around first to find an available plumber, it will delay the repairs.
Concluding The Discussion
Although no one can plan for when and where an emergency will occur, they can put together an action plan for when they may have a plumbing emergency.
Following these pro tips could steer a family in the right direction to minimize the damage to their home.
There could be a professional plumber available any time of the day. No matter how big or small the problem is, the homeowner should just remember to have a number for them saved somewhere visible.
With the home’s residents being more prepared and with help from a pro, plumbing emergencies will soon be a thing of the past.
