No one wants to think about dealing with a plumbing emergency. But if you don’t at least think about it, how on earth do you plan to handle the situation if it ever occurs?
Though it’s unfortunate, the reality is that most homeowners experience some type of plumbing emergency — whether minor or major — at one point or another. Knowing how to quickly and effectively handle that emergency can save you a huge headache (and a huge water damage repair bill).
At Steve’s Plumbing & Heating, we know dealing with a sudden plumbing disaster can be incredibly stressful. We’re here to help. Below, we’ve outlined a few simple yet effective tips for handling household plumbing emergencies.
1. Shut Off the Nearest Water Source
When a plumbing disaster strikes, locate the nearest water shut-off valve and shut down the water supply. For a sink, you should be able to identify the valve somewhere beneath the drain pipe. For a toilet, the shut-off valve should sit either behind or at the base of your commode.
For major emergencies, turn off your home’s main water valve as quickly as you can. If you don’t already know where that valve is, take some time right now to find it. It’s never a bad idea to inform all household members of its location too.
2. Shut Off Electrical Circuits
Everyone knows water and electricity can be a deadly combo. If there’s even a small chance that the leaking water has come into contact with one of your electrical circuits, DO NOT touch the water. If you can safely reach your circuit breaker, turn off the electricity to the affected room or flip the main breaker just to be extra safe.
3. Turn Off the Water Heater
When a major plumbing emergency strikes, it’s best to turn off your water heater for safety’s sake. If you leave it on, heat can build up inside the tank, which can put the unit at risk for overheating or bursting. If you own a gas water heater, be sure to turn off the gas supply line before you shut off the unit.
4. Address Small, Easily Identifiable Leaks
If you ever find yourself dealing with a small plumbing leak, try to stop the flow of water as best you can. Turn off the water supply to that particular pipe and do your best to contain the leak. You can gather towels and rags and wrap them around the pipe since it will contain water even after you shut off the water supply.
Use towels to soak up any water on the floor and place a bucket directly beneath the leak to catch any water that might escape. Even if you’ve never dealt with a leak before, consider keeping some plumber’s tape handy, just in case. You can use the tape to seal up a minor leak while you wait for a plumber to arrive and perform a permanent repair.
5. Avoid Using Chemical Drain Cleaners
A completely blocked pipe may seem like a plumbing emergency that’s easy to solve with just a bottle of drain cleaner. And while those cleaners can certainly burn through a blockage, they can also do quite a bit of damage to your plumbing system, particularly if it’s old.
It’s not uncommon for harsh, chemical-based drain cleaners to erode the interior of older pipes, and that damage can contribute to future plumbing problems. Rather than breaking out the drain cleaner, try using a drain-specific plunger first. If that doesn’t clear the clog, it’s time to call a pro.
6. Open Spigots To Move Water Away From the Home
Even after you shut off your main water valve, there will be water in your household pipes. You’ll want to get rid of as much of that water as you possibly can so it can’t leak into your home and cause damage.
To move the water out of your home, go outside and open your outdoor spigots. If you have a garden hose hooked up, either detach it or give it a few good sprays to ensure it’s free of water.
7. Wear Protective Gear
If you’re dealing with a leak that involves contaminated water (like that from your sewer system or a dirty drain line), wear rubber gloves and boots if you’ll be touching the water.
If any of that water comes into contact with your mucous membranes, bacteria and other microorganisms can make you very ill. When the affected area is completely dry, you’ll need to thoroughly disinfect everything that got wet.
8. Call a Plumber
When a plumbing disaster strikes, don’t lose your head. Remember to call an emergency plumber as quickly as you can, after you shut off your water supply, of course. Many homeowners get so caught up in the chaos of the situation that they completely forget to call in the professionals — don’t make that mistake!
Furthermore, don’t make the mistake of assuming you can tackle DIY plumbing repairs. Your plumbing system is not something you want to mess with, especially if you’re not trained to do the job.
Learn how to find the best emergency plumber in your area.
Need a Plumber in Stevens Point? Contact Steve’s Plumbing & Heating
Whether you’re dealing with a plumbing disaster or need routine plumbing services in your Stevens Point home, you can rely on our team at Steve’s Plumbing & Heating. We specialize in emergency plumbing services and plumbing repair, and our service technicians are on call 24/7. Whenever you need us, we’ll be there. To learn more or request service, give us a call today at 715-342-1800 or request an estimate. Got questions? Send us a message, and we’ll be in touch.