7 Tips For Dealing With Plumbing Emergencies

Being a homeowner is great. But it also means that now, you’re responsible for an entire house’s upkeep. There’s so much to think of, especially the parts that keep your entire living space running. And one of them is the plumbing. 

Water is used multiple times a day for varied purposes. So, it’s no surprise that you’re bound to encounter an emergency with the system that supplies it to you at some point.

Plumbing problems are quite common. Regardless of their scope, you can still find them distressing. There are little emergencies that you may already be equipped to handle on your own. But there are also those that require the aid of experts. 

Fortunately, there’s no shortage of them. It’s a matter of finding which one offers the level of service you need for your plumbing dilemma. Places such as the Fergusons Yelp page, among many others, can provide you with the info you need on what to look for. 

But what can you do in the meantime?

Here are some tried-and-tested tips you should follow before calling a plumber when dealing with plumbing emergencies.

1. Shut Down The Water Supply

Whether the plumbing issue is big or small, the first thing to do is to shut down the water supply. You may start to panic if a leak pops up, for example. But you can easily check it once you keep your supply safe and the soaking at a minimum.

The shut-off valve is typically located in the front of your house, where the water meter or the well pump can also be found. Shutting off the valve will temporarily stop the flow while your trusted plumber is on the way.

2. Turn Off The Electricity 

Water and electricity are a deadly combination. So, even if the water valve has already been shut off, you should also shut down the main electricity supply. Switch it back on only when the plumbing problem has been fixed. That way, there’s no fear of floods or leaks making contact with electrical components, shorting fuses or causing electrocution.

3. Assess The Damage 

Depending on the extent and duration of the plumbing emergency, its effects can range from mild to severe. Look around the area and assess the damage to see whether or not you need to call in other tradespeople for some work to be done. 

Common signs to look for are peeling boards, warped wood, bubbling and peeling paint, and molds. A musty smell can also indicate an issue. Address those as soon as possible so you can get all these problems out of the way. 

4. Look For Clogged Drains 

It’s common practice in most residences to pour grease, fat, and even chemicals from cleaning right into the drain. This may be convenient, but over time, that habit will come back knocking on your door with dire effects on your drains.

Once you notice your sinks draining slower than usual, call the plumber right away. Store-bought drain decloggers and cleaners may help, but they only provide a temporary fix. Using them too much may also lead to more problems if they consist of strong chemicals. 

The plumber may also come equipped with a drain camera, so they can locate the blockage without having to dig through your backyard.  

5. Turn Off The Water Heater 

The water heater must also be switched off to avoid overheating or bursting. This is for safety, as heat can easily build up inside the tank. This tip is particularly pressing if you own a gas water heater. The gas line should also be switched off before shutting down the system.  Be sure to do a quick search of water heater replacement west monroe la to find the best person who can help you repair and maintain your water heater.

6. Understand Your Plumbing Layout 

While you don’t have to be an expert on all the technicalities of your home, you should at least know your home’s plumbing layout. Fixing a plumbing emergency gets easier when you know where to go.

If your home is still new, you can ask for a copy of the plumbing plan from your builders. Keep that with you as a map when you’re dealing with a water problem. 

7. Have Plumbing Supplies On Hand 

There’s no need to go all-out like as if you’re an on-call plumber. But you can always start with basic plumbing supplies or tools that help you troubleshoot problems before a professional comes. You can think of this as a first-aid kit, only for the plumbing. 

The basics include pliers, plungers, duct tape, and a roll of plastic. In a plumbing emergency, you can even go as far as taping up the affected area to try and slow down the problem and stop it becoming catastrophic. This would be the best time to call an expert in Plumbing Kamloops (or elsewhere more relevant) and get them out as soon as possible to rectify your issues.

The Bottomline

Plumbing horror stories are all-too-common. While homeowners can only hope to be on top of their maintenance to avoid experiencing them, these issues are often inevitable. It’s a good thing you can walk away from each one of them a smarter and wiser homeowner.

Remember that you can always call the experts for tough fixes. Here’s to clean pipes.