Did you know that a big part of home repairs are due to a plumbing emergency? Being a homeowner, no doubt, comes with many risks and responsibilities; it’s inevitable. But what can you do to reduce the possibility of expensive repairs if something happens with your home’s plumbing system? Well, understanding what to do if a plumbing emergency does occur is the answer. For instance, broken water pipes and huge leaks all require you to act swiftly in order to decrease the probability of costly repairs. So, join Bellbrook Plumbing & Drain as we discuss what you should do if a plumbing emergency were to arise.
WHAT THINGS SHOULD YOU KNOW BEFORE A PLUMBING EMERGENCY OCCURS?
Stay Calm-
First, no matter what plumbing woe you are dealing with, our first piece of advice is not to panic. In emergencies, your panic meter may feel full due to scattered thoughts and a sense of being overwhelmed. So, first breathe, then step back. That way, you can take a second and calmly assess the situation.
Stash Old Towels, Rags, Buckets Etc.-
This small tip may seem insignificant, but it’s one of those things that can make a huge difference in your time of need. Keeping a supply of old towels and rags on hand is always a good idea for plumbing catastrophes. So, the next time you upgrade your worn-out towels or don’t quite know what to do with that old, stained tee, instead of chucking it, try tucking it away in a designated area for plumbing emergencies or other household duties. You will be thankful for the ability to pick up that old towel or rag from its designated space if your toilet randomly starts leaking or there is an unseemly sink clog that needs to be dealt with. In addition, keeping a couple of extra buckets on hand is also helpful for plumbing disasters.
Know Where the Main Water Supply Is-
This step is crucial. It’s important for every (age-appropriate) member of your household to be aware of where your main water shutoff valve is. Furthermore, this should be addressed BEFORE a plumbing emergency happens. This is because if a plumbing emergency were to occur, at no point should there be a pause to look for the main shutoff valve. Time is of the essence if you want to reduce the risks of damage.
Call a Service Professional-
Unless you are a licensed plumber, you will likely require a service professional to diagnose and repair the plumbing issue for you. It’s essential to call a professional immediately so the problem gets fixed, the damage is minimized, and you can get back into your daily routine. If you don’t already have a trustworthy, reliable plumbing company you can count on, give us a try! We would love to provide you with our five-star customer service.
WHAT STEPS SHOULD BE TAKEN IN A PLUMBING EMERGENCY?
Shut Off the Water Supply-
No matter what kind of plumbing emergency happens, once you have identified there is a plumbing issue, you should turn off the water supply to the problem at hand. This way, you can proceed to the next step as needed. That means that whatever you are dealing with, you should look for the shutoff valve nearby. So, suppose you have identified a massive toilet leak; then that means you will need to turn off the toilet water supply valve. To give you a better idea, most toilets have a shutoff valve behind them. Try looking in the back of your toilet for a football-shaped knob, then turn it to the off position. Another example is if you have a leaking faucet, then you will want to look for the shutoff valve underneath the sink. This valve looks similar to the knob for the toilet shutoff valve. Turning these valves clockwise will turn them off.
Note that in your time of need, if you can’t pinpoint where the direct shutoff valve is, then this is when (and why) we suggest shutting off the main water supply. Just bear in mind that it will shut off the water to your entire house and not just the area experiencing the issue.
Check on Your Electrical Appliances and Outlets-
With the water supply now shut off, if you are encountering flooding or standing water issues, then it would be good to check on your appliances and outlets. Otherwise, it may result in a safety hazard if left unchecked and unattended. With flooding, there is always a possibility that water will damage your appliances or reach your outlets. So, in the chance you are dealing with severe flooding, be mindful of turning off your main circuit breaker to prevent electricity-related risks. Additionally, you may unplug the appliances if you feel you are in a safe position to do so.
Clean Up Any Excess Water-
Last of all, with the water supply and electricity (if necessary) now having been shut off, you should start cleaning up the excess water while waiting for professional assistance to arrive. By this time, you like have already called a plumber. Staying a couple of steps ahead is never a bad idea, and by cleaning up the mess, you will be lowering the chances of damage to your furniture, floors, and walls. Cleaning up as soon as possible is the wisest thing you can do to avoid costly repairs. In situations like this, you will be grateful for those extra towels, rags, and buckets you kept on to make cleaning up easier. Finally, if you have a portable electric fan available, you can use that to aid in faster drying.
Life happens. Sometimes, things happen that we can’t control. Plumbing emergencies often fall into that category. We know that plumbing woes can be overwhelming and stressful. So, if you don’t know what to do in an active plumbing emergency, it will be that much more overwhelming. We hope this has helped prepare you for any plumbing emergencies. Remember to stay calm and don’t panic. Bellbrook Plumbing & Drain is here to help with all your plumbing needs!
We proudly offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services 365 days a year! Call us today at (937) 240-3731 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!