Homeownership is no doubt filled with risks and responsibilities. But did you know that a huge percentage of home repairs are due to plumbing emergencies? Knowing what steps to take if something goes wrong with your plumbing system can help reduce the cost of expensive repairs in these situations. Being well-informed will keep your peace of mind — and wallet — intact! In a plumbing emergency, like a broken pipe or massive leak, it’s essential to act quickly in order to minimize possible costly repairs. Join us at Canal Winchester Plumbing & Drain for insightful knowledge on what you should do when faced with a plumbing emergency.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PREPARE BEFORE A PLUMBING EMERGENCY OCCURS?
- You Should Stay Calm- There is no need to panic when it comes to plumbing issues! At times, when an emergency hits, your nerves can run high, and you may feel scattered and overwhelmed. That is why we suggest that the first thing you do in such a situation is to take a few deep breaths, step back and evaluate your surroundings before taking action. This way, rather than being driven by stress, you will be able to make decisions from a calm place of reason.
- You Should Stash Old Towels, Rags, & Buckets- This small tip may not appear significant, but it can make a large impact when you find yourself in the midst of an unexpected plumbing situation. By keeping an assortment of old towels and rags around your home at all times, you will be prepared for any outburst or burst pipe that arises. So, instead of throwing out those frayed towels or stained t-shirts that no longer serve their original purpose, keep them aside in a designated spot to grab for emergency plumbing issues or other household tasks! You will be grateful to have that old towel or rag at the ready if you ever experience a leaky toilet or an unexpected sink clog. In addition, to ensure complete preparedness, it is wise to store some extra buckets nearby in case of plumbing problems.
- You Should Know Where the Main Water Supply Is- Taking this step is of the utmost importance. Each age-appropriate individual in your home should be aware of where the main water shutoff valve resides. Don’t wait for a plumbing emergency to occur before discussing it with your household; being prepared beforehand can save you from significant damage and costly repairs if an urgent situation were ever to arise. Don’t waste another moment not knowing how or where your main shutoff valve sits!
- You Should Call a Licensed Professional- Don’t attempt to repair the plumbing issue yourself unless you are a licensed plumber. Time is of the essence in this situation; contact an experienced professional as soon as possible so that they may diagnose and fix your problem with minimal damage! If you’re searching for a reliable plumbing company, then look no further than us!
WHAT STEPS SHOULD BE TAKEN WHEN A PLUMBING EMERGENCY OCCURS?
Shut Off the Water Supply-
When a plumbing emergency strikes, the first step is to immediately shut off the water supply associated with it. For example, if you’re faced with a colossal toilet leak, locate and turn off its nearby shutoff valve. For most toilets, this can be found near them – making it easy to identify and cut your water flow so that you can work on fixing the issue right away!
If you’re searching for the shutoff valve in your toilet, look behind it and find a football-like knob. To turn off the water flow, rotate this knob clockwise until it is tight. Similarly, if there’s a leaking faucet, locate its corresponding shutoff valve underneath your sink – it should be shaped similarly to the one from before – then twist with caution in the same direction!
When you’re in a pinch and can’t seem to locate the direct shutoff valve, it’s best to just switch off your main water supply that we talked about earlier. Keep in mind that this will cease all running water throughout your house – not simply the affected area.
Check on Your Electrical Appliances and Outlets-
The water supply has now been shut off, and if you are dealing with flooding or standing water issues, then it is essential to inspect your appliances and outlets. If left unnoticed, this could lead to a safety hazard. As there’s always a chance of the floodwater damaging your devices or reaching electrical sockets, in cases of serious flooding, switch off the main circuit breaker so as not to risk any electric shocks. Additionally, if it’s safe for you to do so – unplug all appliances too!
Clean Up Any Excess Water-
To wrap things up and ensure your safety, turn off the water supply and electricity (if needed). Afterward, begin tidying any standing water while waiting for a certified plumber to arrive. Being proactive is key; by clearing away the mess, you reduce potential harm from seeping into furniture, floors, or walls. By making these vital steps, you are already one step ahead! To avoid hefty repair bills, it’s best to act fast with cleaning up. Keeping a few extra towels, rags and buckets will make the process much easier. Additionally, if you have access to a portable electric fan, that would be great too. It can speed up drying immensely!
Disasters can often surprise us; plumbing emergencies are no exception. We understand that it’s likely to be a nerve-wracking experience if you’re not sure how to handle the situation on your own. We wanted to provide you with the knowledge and confidence necessary for any plumbing emergency, so hopefully, this eases some tension in any undesirable events. Rest assured, Canal Winchester Plumbing & Drain is always available to help out!
We proudly offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services 365 days a year! Call us today at (614) 490-7531, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!