Today, let’s chat about emergency preparedness for the plumbing in your home. Did you know that most home repairs are the result of a plumbing emergency? We don’t mean to alarm you, but water damage can be an expensive issue. However, it can be prevented if homeowners understand how to plan ahead and respond effectively in case a plumbing emergency does occur. If your pipes burst or your water heater malfunctions, take action quickly! By acting fast and lessening the amount of destruction done by the incident, we’re certain that any needed repair costs will be drastically reduced.
As your trusted Loveland Plumbing & Drain service professionals, we have put together a few tips and tricks to give you the confidence that if something goes wrong with your plumbing work, you are fully prepared to handle any potential problems. Our strategies will guarantee peace of mind for all your plumbing needs!
WHAT CAN YOU DO BEFORE A PLUMBING EMERGENCY OCCURS?
- In the event of an emergency, it is essential that all individuals of age in your household are aware of how to locate and turn off the main water shut-off valve. The last thing you want is to waste your time running and looking for the main water shutoff while water is spewing everywhere.
- Store a list of emergency contact numbers for your home insurance company and plumbers in an obvious, easily accessible place. This might seem like an unnecessary precaution, but it can help to minimize the additional pressure that comes with unexpected emergencies.
- Stock up on a few cleaning materials, and don’t discard those old towels, rags, or unused buckets. Place them in one convenient area so that when you need to tidy up quickly, these supplies will be ready.
WHAT CAN YOU DO AFTER A PLUMBING EMERGENCY OCCURS?
- You should stay calm. When a plumbing emergency hits, and for example, your kitchen sink begins spewing water or your toilet starts to overflow, it is easy to become overwhelmed and panic. Instead, take a moment and breathe – you can do this! Acting accordingly while staying calm is key.
- You should turn off the water supply. If you take a moment to assess the predicament before you, there is a good chance that shutting off the water supply will quickly limit any further issues. Where the corresponding shut-off valve resides depends on your problematic component. If it’s in relation to the sink, then look beneath the sink for the shutoff valve; if it is concerning a leaking toilet, then look behind the toilet. Once you pinpoint the right valve, turn it off. In case you are unable to find the direct water supply valve in your home, shutting down your main water source will do the job, too. However, this would lead to no running water in your household.
- You should unplug any affected appliances or turn off the electrical supply if needed. Safety should be your number one priority! If you are experiencing flooding or standing water, and any of your appliances have been inundated with moisture, immediately disconnect them from the power source. Additionally, depending on the gravity of the issue at hand, it may also be necessary to turn off the circuit breaker if there is evidence that any electrical outlets were affected by water damage.
- You should call a licensed professional. Before you try anything DIY, it is best to remember that licensed plumbers are your safest option for any repairs. Now that the water flow has been stopped and all electrical components have been checked, don’t hesitate to contact a professional immediately.
- You should clean up excess water. It’s tempting to just wait for the plumber when you have a large mess, but waiting could result in more water damage. Act quickly by gathering towels, rags, and buckets – whatever is handy. This could also help your plumber easily diagnose and fix any issues without a huge mess in the way.
To protect yourself from plumbing emergencies, it’s essential to engage in preventative maintenance. However, sometimes life throws us a curveball, and we must be prepared for any possible outcome. Preparing ahead of time can help soothe your mind – if something unfortunate does happen with your plumbing, you now know you have the resources available to address the issue swiftly and effectively.
We hope that our advice has brought you more insight and peace of mind. Should you find yourself in a plumbing predicament, trust Loveland Plumbing & Drain to bail you out! We provide reliable services for all your plumbing needs; no job is too big or small for us. So, call us today at (513) 644-0556, or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!