A leaking faucet, backed-up toilet, or overflowing sink are just some of the most common plumbing emergencies that homeowners face. They can happen any time, and it’s important to know what steps to take when they do so you can minimize damage.
Keep Your Cool
One of the best things you can do for yourself and your family during a plumbing emergency is to stay calm. This will help you respond to the situation in the most effective way possible.
Don’t Panic
A lot of people panic when they have a plumbing issue. This can cause them to make bad decisions that could worsen the situation, so it’s important to be calm and clear-headed during a crisis.
Turn Off Your Water Valves
It’s critical to shut off your water valves immediately when you have a plumbing crisis. This will give you time to deal with the problem and prevent further damage.
After you have turned off the water, use any available tools to drain out as much of the remaining water as possible. This will ensure that you’re not left with a flood in your home, and that you can have the emergency plumber arrive as soon as possible to get the job done.
Stuff Towels Around Pipes
After all the water has been turned off, use towels to soak up any excess water. This can help limit the damage that could occur to your carpets, drywall and other household materials.
Shake Your Garden Hose
Once the water has been turned off, it’s crucial to shake your garden hose as well. This will help to move any remaining water out of the pipes so that your home doesn’t receive a lot of additional damage in the future.
Dodge Synthetics and Compound Cleaners
If you have any synthetics or compound cleaners in your home, it’s important to avoid using them during a crisis. This will save you from causing more harm in the meantime and help to reduce your repair costs when the emergency plumber arrives.
Doing so will also keep your home safe from toxins and other harmful substances that can be released by chemicals.
Keep Your Phone Handy
Having your phone at hand is an invaluable tool during a plumbing crisis. A trained plumber will be able to tell you if it’s an emergency, and will also let you know when it is safe to leave your home or business while they do the work.
You can even store your phone in a safe place until the emergency plumber arrives. This will ensure that you are always prepared and ready to handle any emergencies that may come up.
Schedule Regular Inspections And Maintenance
The best way to protect yourself from the dangers of emergency plumbing is to have routine maintenance performed. Having a professional plumber inspect and maintain your plumbing system on a regular basis will ensure that problems are caught early, and can be fixed before they become more serious.