Almost everyone and every home have faced a plumbing emergency at one point or another. If you fail to react quickly in a plumbing emergency then that it can lead to expensive repairs. When a plumbing emergency occurs, it is important to maintain one’s cool rather than panicking. Here are some tips to help you manage the situation and prevent further damage to your home:
Shut Off The Water
Turn off the closest water source as quickly as you can whenever an emergency strikes. If a small leak occurs, it can mean thousands of dollars in structural damage if left untreated. For toilets, simply turn the valve at the base or behind of your commode. For larger emergencies or flooding, it is recommended to turn off the main valve in your home.
Check Your Water Heater
It’s a good idea to always keep an eye on the water heater. In a major emergency, it’s best to turn off your water heater to avoid damage to the unit. After the main valve is shut off, immediately turn off the heater to prevent heat from welling up inside of it, which raises the risk of bursting or overheating. If you have a gas water heater, always turn the gas off first.
Tackle Small Leaks
If you come across any small leaks, stop it as best as possible. Keeping a plumber’s toolbox will make this chore a lot easier as you can tape it. Tackling small leaks will help you stop further damage. You can jot down the leaks and let the plumbers know as soon as they arrive. This way you can ensure your problems are addressed in the safest order.
Open Drains And Spigots
Water will remain in your pipes even after the main water valve is shut off. Therefore, you need to turn on any spigots that are outside of your home to move this water away. Give the garden hose a few squirts to ensure it clears out any water, too. However, if you’re experiencing a small clog or backup during this process, try opening the drain with gentler methods such as a plunger. You should not be using chemical cleaners in your pipes during an emergency as it will cause more harm before your plumber arrives.
Call And Listen
People often forget the vital thing to do in an emergency – calling a plumber. Call right away to reduce as much damage as possible. Professional plumbing experts who answer your call can also let you know if the situation is haywire. When a trained plumber advises you to leave your home during an emergency, please listen. It can save your life.
End Words
Some of the plumbing emergencies you read about, or even experience, can be prevented easily with the right actions. Problems may arise all of the sudden, but they’re often the result of long-term abuse or improper homemade repairs. If you are facing a plumbing emergency in Ohio, you can contact Plumbing 911. Plumbing 911 is your premier emergency sensitive plumber in Canton, Akron, Medina, Cleveland, and surrounding cities. When a potential emergency plumbing issue arises, Plumbing 911 will be there for you. Visit the website to read more about their services.