Plumbing Basics: How to Handle a Plumbing Emergency
Knowing how to react to a plumbing emergency is essential. Taking the correct actions can help reduce the damage and cost of the repairs.
But what exactly constitutes a plumbing emergency, and how should it be addressed? We will explain what plumbing emergencies entail and how to handle them.
What is a plumbing emergency, and how would you tackle it?
Plumbing emergencies consist of different scenarios that are more serious than usual. These cases include clogged drains, gas leaks, frozen and damaged pipes. They generally decrease the safety of the occupants and increase the risk of structural damage. They can also severely affect utility costs due to massive water loss.
Once a plumbing emergency occurs, prompt action can save the owner a lot of trouble down the line. Here’s how to approach this scenario:
Shut off water
The first step in addressing plumbing emergencies is to disable the nearest water source as soon as possible. For toilets, residents may need to turn the valve behind the commode or at the bases. Other small leaks should be easy to address, too.
On the other hand, floods and larger emergencies require more effective measures. The residents may need to shut down the main valve to minimize the harm.
Check the water heater
A huge part of handling major emergencies is turning off the water heater to prevent damage to the appliance. Before shutting it down, make sure to turn off the main valve to keep heat from accumulating inside the unit. It dramatically reduces the risk of overheating or bursting.
People with a gas heater should always switch off the gas first.
Open spigots and drains
Although shutting down the main valve is usually enough to prevent extensive damage, it may not do the trick if water lingers in the pipes. Move it away from the house and risky areas by activating the fixtures outside. In addition, give the garden hose a couple of squirts to ensure it doesn’t contain any water.
If this process is blocked due to a backup or small clog, use a plunger or other gentle methods to open your drain. Refrain from chemical pipe cleaners because they can do more harm than good before a seasoned plumber arrives.
Reach out to the experts
Homeowners tend to forget to call their plumber during an emergency. Avoid this mistake and lower the chances of massive harm significantly.
Explain your problem to the plumber, and they’ll offer assistance. They’ll tell you if the emergency is too dangerous and whether you should evacuate the area.
Once an experienced plumber arrives, they will use appropriate tools and techniques to assess the situation. They’ll resolve the issue promptly and even advise you on preventing future emergencies.
No Worries Rooter of Gilbert offers residential and commercial drain cleaning, leak detection and repair. We recommend Bio-Green drain care for customers who have slow drains caused by buildup in their pipes. Call us at (480) 405-4497.
