Did you know that a large number of home repairs are caused by some type of plumbing emergency? Being a homeowner inevitably comes with many risks and responsibilities; sometimes, there’s just no way around it. So, what can you do to minimize costly repairs if something happens with your plumbing system? Knowing what to do if a plumbing emergency occurs is the answer. For example, burst water pipes and faulty water heaters all require you to act accordingly in order to decrease the likeliness of extensive repairs. Join Beavercreek Plumbing & Drain as we talk about what you should do if a plumbing emergency arises.
WHAT ARE SOME THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE A PLUMBING EMERGENCY HAPPENS?
To Stay Calm-
First off, no matter what you are dealing with – whether it is a gushing pipe, leaky faucet, or huge clog…our first suggestion is not to panic. In times of crisis, your panic meter may want to fill up, causing a sense of overwhelming and scattered thoughts. So, first, it’s important to breathe, step back, and assess the situation.
To Stash Old Towels, Rags, Buckets Etc.-
Keeping a supply of old towels and other rags on hand is always a good idea for plumbing mishaps. So, the next time you upgrade your old bathroom or beach towels or don’t know what to do with that old, stained t-shirt, instead of chucking it, consider tucking it away in a designated space for plumbing emergencies or household mishaps. You will be grateful for the ability to grab that old towel from its designated area if your toilet suddenly starts leaking or there is a nasty sink clog that needs to be cleaned up. Keeping a couple of extra buckets on hand is also beneficial for plumbing disaster cleanups.
To Know Where the Main Water Supply Is-
This step is important. It’s important for each (age-appropriate) member of your household to know where your main water shutoff valve is. Furthermore, this must be taken care of BEFORE a plumbing emergency occurs. This is because if a plumbing emergency were to take place, at no point should there be a pause in between when the main shutoff valve is being searched for. This is a piece of knowledge that should already be known so that in the case something goes awry with your plumbing system, no one is running around in earnest trying to locate the main water shutoff supply but can go straight to it, greatly eliminating the possibility of water damage repairs.
To Call a Service Professional-
Unless you are a licensed plumber, you will probably require a service professional to assess and repair the issue for you. It’s important to call a professional right away, so the issue gets fixed, the damage is minimized, and you can go back to your everyday routine. If you don’t already have a trustworthy, reliable plumbing company you can rely on, give Beavercreek Plumbing & Drain a chance to provide you with our five-star customer service.
WHAT STEPS SHOULD YOU TAKE IN A PLUMBING EMERGENCY?
Shut Off the Water Supply-
No matter what type of plumbing emergency takes place, once you have identified the plumbing mishap, you will need to turn off the water supply so you can proceed to the next step and take further action. That means, whatever you are dealing with, find the shutoff valve nearby. So, suppose you have confirmed there is a massive toilet leak; then you will need to turn off the toilet water supply valve. Most toilets have this valve located near the toilet. Look behind your toilet for the football-shaped knob, then turn it to the off position accordingly. If you have a gushing faucet in your sink, then you will want to look for the shutoff valve under the sink. This valve should look similar to the knob for the toilet shutoff valve. Turning these valves clockwise should do the trick in turning them off.
Keep note that in your time of need, if you cannot locate the direct shutoff valves, then this is when (and why) we recommend using the main water shutoff supply. Just remember that it will shut off the water to your entire house and not just the problematic area.
Inspect Your Electrical Appliances and Outlets-
Now that the water supply is shut off, if you are dealing with flooding issues or standing water, then it would be a good idea to check on your appliances and outlets. Otherwise, this could be a safety hazard if left unchecked and water reaches these spaces or items. If you are dealing with severe flooding, it would be wise to go ahead and turn off the main circuit breaker to prevent any other electricity-related risks. In addition, you can unplug the appliances if you are in a safe position to do so.
Soak Up Any Excess Water-
Now that the water supply and electricity (if necessary) have been shut off, you should start cleaning up any excess water in the meantime. By this time, you should have already called a plumber, so staying a step ahead by cleaning up the mess is recommended to minimize the chances of letting the water soak into your furniture, floors, and walls. Cleaning up as soon as you are able is the best course of action to limit costly repairs. You will be thankful for those extra towels and rags you stored away to make cleaning up easier. Depending on the type of cleanup necessary, a bucket may come in handy to catch dripping water or for ringing out rags or towels. Lastly, if you have portable electric fans, you can use those to assist in faster drying.
Life happens. Things happen that we can’t control sometimes. Plumbing emergencies can be one of those things that fall into that category. Plumbing troubles can be overwhelming and full of stress. And if you do not know what to do in an active plumbing emergency, it will prove that much more stressful. We hope this has enlightened you to be prepared for whatever situation arises. Stay calm; don’t panic. Beavercreek Plumbing & Drain is here to assist you with any plumbing mishap that may occur in your home.
We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services ’round the clock! Call us today at (937) 404-6575, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!