Almost every homeowner will experience a plumbing emergency at one point in their life. Even if these types of incidents are inevitable, you still should be prepared for when they occur. Learning how to handle plumbing mishaps could end up saving you a lot of time and money. If your plumber can’t show up right away, there are things you can do yourself to minimize the damage until they arrive. Here’s what to do if you can’t see a plumber right away in a plumbing emergency.
Don’t Panic
Whether it’s a leaking pipe, a backed-up toilet, or a flooding bathroom – it’s important to stay calm and not panic. You can’t make rational decisions from a state of panic, so do your best to calm down, call your emergency plumber, and then proceed with the following tips.
Shut Off the Water
Whatever the plumbing emergency may be, the first step should always be to turn off the closest water source as quickly as possible. For toilets, turn off the valve at the base or behind the fixture. For more significant emergencies like flooding, turn off the main water valve in your home.
Turn Off Your Water Heater
In plumbing emergencies, turning off your water heater can help you avoid damage to the unit. After turning off your main water valve, turn your water heater off to prevent heat from welling up inside. Too much heat buildup could lead to your unit overheating or bursting. If you have a gas water heater, turn the gas off first.
Address Small Leaks Firsts
If you’re dealing with a small emergency like a pipe leak, there are things you can do to minimize the leaking before the plumber arrives. If you can identify the leak’s location, use some plumber’s tape or rags or towels to hold the leak temporarily.
At Preferred Plumbing, we offer 24/7 Emergency Service! Give us a call today.