Plumbing emergencies often incite panic. However, if you remain in control, you can help reduce the damage to your home. The safest precaution for your home is to have a plumber's contact who is easily reachable. The steps below will help you handle a plumbing emergency as you call a plumber if the situation gets out of hand.
Check Your Water Heater.
In case of an emergency, it is advisable to switch off your water heater to prevent any damage. You should switch the heater off after cutting out supply from the main valve. This ensures that that heat doesn't well up inside the heater. Allowing heat to build up elevates the risk of overheating or bursting. If your water heater uses gas, always shut off the gas supply first.
Tackle Small Leaks
If you identify a small leak, handle it in the best way possible to reduce problems. Having some plumber's tape at home will come in handy in such cases. To add on that, staffing rags and towels around the pipes or placing buckets under the leaks may help counter excess damage. Note the position of these leaks so as to notify the plumber as soon as he or she arrives. This method ensures problems are addressed in the safest order.
Shut Off the Water
Whenever an emergency sets in, turn off the nearest water source as fast as you can. For instance, if the emergency involves the toilet, you can turn the valve at the base or behind your commode. For larger emergencies or flooding, it is preferable to turn off the main valve of your home. The majority of valves require you to turn them clockwise to shut them off.
Open Drains and Spigots
There is always a high possibility of having water in your pipes even if you have turned off the main water. You can drain this water out of the house or other areas by turning on any spigots within the home. Use a few squirts from your garden hose to clear out any water in the piping. If there is a minor blockage or backup while you are carrying out this procedure, try relieving the drain with gentle methods like with the help of a plunger. Avoid utilising chemical cleaners in your pipes during an emergency as they may bring more harm than anticipated.
Call and Listen
It will probably be of great help to call a plumber during an emergency. The best part of an early call is that you will get some initial help with the problem. Nevertheless, an expert plumber can let you know if the situation is too dangerous. When a professional or government official instructs you to leave your home, kindly listen. It can save your life.
Share2 December 2016
Welcome to my blog, my name is Blake and from now on, I will be writing a series of blogs which will deal with the process of finding and working with contractors when constructing a new building. I am not a construction specialist but last summer I gained a lot of experience in this area when I hired a team of 32 contractors to build a holiday home. When hiring contractors, it is important that you understand how to communicate with them and their ways of working. Below are a series of blogs which will help you to find the best contractors.