Navigating Plumbing Emergencies – Quick Tips From Experts
A burst pipe, water leak, or clogged drain can cause costly damage and disrupt your life. Having emergency plumbing services on-call can help you navigate these situations quickly and safely.
Having emergency plumbers on standby and implementing preventive maintenance practices can help you minimize the impact of plumbing emergencies on your home.
Turn off the Water
Imagine settling down for a quiet night in your home when suddenly there’s a loud, rushing noise like water running wild. It is a sure sign of a burst pipe that could lead to costly damage if not addressed immediately.
Depending on the situation, you can immediately shut off the water supply. It is one of the most important things you can do to reduce the risk of further damage and save time until an emergency plumber arrives.
Knowing where your house’s water shut-off valve is and how to use it can save you a lot of stress (and money) in a crisis. Familiarize yourself with this now and teach family members, too. It can make all the difference in a worst-case scenario. A kit with old towels, a bucket or mop, and a shop vac can also help mitigate damage. It is especially true if you can suck up excess water as it pours out of a flooded area.
Find the Source of the Leak
Leaks aren’t always easy to track down. Water can travel in three dimensions, so it’s not uncommon for the source of leak damage to be located some distance from where the water is flowing.
Wet spots in your yard or a spike in your water bill might indicate a plumbing leak. A professional plumbers Longmont, CO, can use various techniques to locate the source of the problem and fix it before it worsens.
A quick way to isolate the location of a water leak is to turn off all the faucets in your house and then check your water meter. If the leak indicator still spins, then it’s likely that your home’s plumbing is leaking from inside or outdoors (if the shut-off valve is outside). Wait an hour and then check again. If the numbers have changed, your leak is probably in a buried pipe between the city water main and your house.
Stay Calm
Many homeowners panic in the event of a plumbing emergency, and that’s understandable. After all, a pipe could burst at any moment and create thousands of dollars worth of water damage to your home.
It is crucial to remain calm during a plumbing emergency as it allows for a better assessment of the situation and appropriate action to be taken accordingly. Your priority should be to shut off your water supply, usually by locating the main water valve and turning it off.
Once you’ve shut off your water, it’s time to move things away from the area to prevent any further damage. You should also check to see if you have any electrical wiring that could be affected by the flooding or any potential gas issues. Ensure that any electrical items, such as TVs and lights, are turned off. In addition, you’ll want to clear away any debris that may have fallen into your pipes.
Call a Plumber
When a problem arises, call an emergency plumber right away. The sooner you have an expert on your side, the faster and more efficiently you’ll get back to your everyday life.
Some plumbing emergencies, such as significant leaks or sewage backups, are dangerous and must be addressed immediately to avoid severe damage and health concerns. Other problems, like a lack of hot water or malfunctioning toilets, don’t always require immediate attention but must be addressed immediately.
Before calling a plumber, be sure to do some research. Find out what their hourly rate is and if they have any additional fees for emergency services. Also, ask how long it will be until they can arrive at your home. It will help you decide whether to make the call.
