Well, here we are once again discussing the ins and outs of plumbing. Today’s topic is plumbing emergencies. First off, did you know that a good number of home repairs are caused by plumbing emergencies? Water damage is a real thing – and it can be quite costly! For this reason, we think it’s important for every homeowner to know how to prepare in advance for home plumbing emergencies and know what to do when they occur. Acting quickly and minimizing water damage is necessary if you want to reduce needed repairs. So, whether it’s burst pipes or a faulty water heater, don’t despair.
As your Lebanon Plumbing & Drain service professionals, we have a few tips and tricks up our sleeve that may give you peace of mind knowing that if something does go awry with your plumbing work, you are locked, loaded, and ready to face whatever plumbing woe is spouted out at you.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO BEFORE A PLUMBING EMERGENCY OCCURS?
- Make sure everyone in your household (that is of age) knows where the main water shut-off valve for your home is and is familiar with how to turn it off in case of an emergency.
- Keep a list of emergency contact numbers for local plumbers and your insurance company in a visible and easily accessible location. This may sound unnecessary, but it does greatly help to alleviate extra stress in an otherwise overwhelming situation.
- Keep some cleaning supplies on hand. Don’t throw those old towels, rags, and unused buckets out. Instead, store a couple in a designated spot so that in your time of need, they are ready to grab and are easily accessible.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF A PLUMBING EMERGENCY OCCURS?
- Stay calm. When a sink faucet suddenly starts spewing out everywhere, or the toilet starts overflowing, it’s easy to default to panic mode. However, we strongly suggest stepping back for a second and breathing – it will be okay. You got this!
- Turn off the water supply. Looking over the situation in front of you, can you assess how to immediately stop the problem from continuing further? You will likely need to shut off the water supply depending on your exact situation. For instance, if it’s a sink that needs to be shut off, you can find the shutoff valve underneath the sink. Or if it’s a leaky toilet you are dealing with, you will find the valve behind the toilet. Once you locate the corresponding valve, turn it off accordingly. Keep in mind that if you can’t find the direct water supply valve, you can also opt to shut off your home’s main water supply (as we mentioned earlier), but this will shut off all running water for your entire household.
- Unplug any affected appliances or turn off the electrical supply. Safety is crucial! If you are dealing with flooding or standing water, and you have appliances that got soaked in the ordeal, they may need to be unplugged immediately. Furthermore, depending on the severity of the situation, you may or may not need to turn off the circuit breaker if your electrical outlets have obtained water damage.
- Call a licensed professional. Unless you are a licensed plumber yourself, we do not recommend attempting any DIY repairs. Now that you have stopped the water flow and have assessed any potential danger concerning electrical components, it’s time to call a professional.
- Clean up. Have a huge mess on your hands? While you are waiting for a plumber to arrive at your home, it may be helpful to clean up in the meantime. The less time water has to seep into your floors, walls, and furniture, the less water damage you may incur. So, grab those old towels, rags, and buckets and start sopping up what you can. Additionally, clearing a mess out of the way will provide your plumber with a clean area to better diagnose and fix the issue as needed.
Although preventative maintenance can help lessen the likelihood of plumbing emergencies, sometimes life still happens. And it is for that reason that we should be prepared for whatever situations may arise. Staying two steps ahead and proactively preparing for unwelcome plumbing emergencies will help ease your mind so that in the event something does happen, you know you will be ready to tackle the issue at hand.
Hopefully, these tips have enlightened you. But remember, if you have somehow found yourself in a plumbing pickle, count on Lebanon Plumbing & Drain to get you out of it. You can rely on us for all your plumbing needs! So, call us today at (513) 427- 2443, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!