Your home’s plumbing is essential to almost every aspect of your life, from cooking and cleaning to bathing. But sadly, many homeowners are unaware of the proper way to handle a plumbing emergency or even what would qualify as a plumbing emergency. And that can mean some costly mistakes when you have water or sewage flooding your home. However, with just a few tips and a little basic information, you will know exactly what to do when you face these very real plumbing emergencies in your home.
Always The First Step
If you have a water leak in your home, it is almost always safe to consider it an emergency. Even if the issue is just a faucet that will not shut off, it wastes a substantial amount of water and depleting the water pressure in other parts of your home. And if the leak is a damaged pipe or other fixture that is flooding your home, it is essential that you get it corrected quickly before it causes significant and costly water damage. But the first step is always to turn off the water to your house.
If you don’t know where the water shut-off valve is in your home, it is time to begin searching. This is critical information for everyone in the house. In most cases, the valve is located where the main water service enters your home. If you have a basement, that is the most common location. If your home is built on a concrete slab, the valve is likely to be located just outside the wall or just inside the wall where the service line enters your home. Shutting this valve when there is a water leak will minimize the water damage in your home. Once the valve is closed, open faucets in your home to drain the water lines.
A Drain Clog
If your plumbing emergency involved a clogged drain, you do not need to turn off the water. But you do need to make sure no one runs any water until the issue is corrected. If the clog is at a toilet, you should reach behind the toilet and turn off the water fill line. This will stop the tank from filling and can prevent the toilet from overflowing. With the potential for water damage or a sewage flood minimized, it is time to call your trusted plumber for emergency assistance.
Common Plumbing Emergencies
Many homeowners feel that any issue with their home’s water supply or drain lines is an emergency. If you think that you need urgent help with any plumbing problem, it is best to call professionals immediately. But for those homeowners who want more definition, the following are issues that any plumber would categorize as an emergency:
- Water Leaks
- Frozen Pipes
- Clogged Drains
- Clogged Toilets
- Faucet Malfunctions
- Shower Malfunctions
- A Sudden And Severe Drop In Water Pressure
Preventing Plumbing Emergencies
The best way to avoid ever making a call to your plumber in the middle of the night is regular plumbing maintenance. Avoid unnecessary clogs by throwing trash in the garbage can and not down the drain or the toilet. Don’t wash grease and oil down your kitchen sink. And when you notice a dripping faucet or other small plumbing issues like a slow clearing drain, schedule a service call from your plumber. Most minor problems are easy and cost-effective to repair. But when they are ignored, they turn into costly plumbing emergencies that happen at the most inopportune time. For all your plumbing needs, call (301) 278-8786. A licensed plumber fromA Better Plumber is available 24/7 for all of your emergency needs.
