If you have a plumbing emergency, the first thing you might experience is panic. However, keeping cool will play an important role in minimizing the damage. The most common types of emergencies include:
- Extremely hot water
- Faucet drips
- Frozen pipes
- Leaking pipes
- Leaking water heater
- Plugs and clogs
Knowing the steps to take when there is an emergency will save your home from potential damage. As a rule of thumb, contact your plumber when there are issues like water damage with an unidentified source.
Here, we are going to discuss the steps to follow when you have a plumbing emergency. This, however, does not mean that you should not seek professional services in the process. Actually, the safest thing is to ensure that there is a plumbing service that can come to your rescue any time you need them. It is also advised that you keep the contacts of your plumber. This will make it easier to contact them when you have an emergency.
Tip 1:
Shut off the water
As soon as you realize there is an emergency, shut off any water outlet you come across. If the emergency is too huge, ensure you turn off the main valve. And if it is a toilet emergency like a simple leak, you can turn the valve at the base. Shutting the water means turning the valve clockwise.
Tip 2:
Check the water heater
If it is a major emergency, turning off the water heater will prevent damage to the unit. So after shutting the main valve, the next step is to turn off the heater. This reduces the risks of overheating or bursting. If it is a gas water heater, you can first turn the gas off.
Tip 3:
Deal with the small leaks
If you carry an inspection and realize there is a small leak, deal with it first. Prevent the leakage using a plumber’s tape. Another option is to stuff towels around the pipe. If you are not very familiar with these, then place a bucket under the leak to prevent water from damaging your items. Ensure that you list the places where all these leaks are available and inform the plumber as soon as he arrives.
Tip 4:
Call and listen
A plumbing emergency can happen at any time. What most people forget to do is calling a plumber.
So while it is a simple emergency that can easily be dealt with at home, you can call the plumber, later on, to inspect the plumbing system, just in case there is a serious underlying issue. If it is a serious issue, call right away. This will help reduce more damage. Need emergency plumbing services contact pratt plumbers.
Calling early is important since you will get initial help. Professionals who receive the call can also tell whether the situation is serious or if it is only a mild issue. If the professional tells you to leave the home as soon as possible, heed to the advice. It can save you from serious injuries or even death.