Homeownership is often filled with liabilities and obligations; however, did you know that many of these costs are associated with plumbing-related emergencies? Being aware of the steps necessary if a problem arises can help prevent pricey repairs due to extensive water damage. Education on this matter will not just keep your finances in check but also provide assurance for yourself in a plumbing disaster. Time is of the essence when you encounter a plumbing emergency, like a busted pipe or massive leak. The longer you wait, the more costly repairs become. That’s why we invite you to join us at Centerville Plumbing & Drain for valuable advice on how to resolve such issues quickly and effectively!
How Can You Be Ready for a Plumbing Emergency Before It Happens?
- You Should Stay Calm- When a plumbing emergency arises, there’s no need for panic. Instead of being overwhelmed by the situation, take some deep breaths and step back to gain perspective so you can make decisions from a place of clarity. Don’t be driven by fear or stress. Instead, evaluate your surroundings and act calmly with reason!
- You Should Stash Old Towels, Rags, & Buckets- This may seem like an unnecessary tip, but it can be incredibly helpful when you’re facing a plumbing emergency! Set aside and store old towels and rags in your home that are no longer suitable for their standard purpose—it will give you quick access to materials needed for burst pipes or other unexpected household tasks. Not only does this save money from having to purchase new supplies, but also prevents waste by reusing items already available in the house. To be a true plumbing preparedness pro, create an arsenal of towels and rags at the ready to combat any leakage or clog issues. Furthermore, storing buckets close by is also necessary in order to tackle unexpected water-related woes with ease.
- You Should Know Where the Main Water Supply Is- It is imperative that each of age member of your household knows where the main water shutoff valve is. Don’t wait until an emergency happens to discuss it, as preparation can help you escape from major damage and expensive repairs if a plumbing issue ever should arise. Acting quickly is key for minimizing potential risks!
- You Should Call a Licensed Professional- Don’t make the mistake of attempting to resolve your plumbing problem on your own unless you are a licensed professional. It is important that you act accordingly and contact an experienced plumber as soon as possible to identify and address the issue with minimal disruption. Save yourself time and energy by choosing us for all of your reliable plumbing needs!
When an Unexpected Plumbing Emergency Arises, What Do You Need to Do?
Here are the steps to take when a plumbing emergency happens:
Turn Off the Water Supply-
In the event that you experience a plumbing emergency, your first step should be to locate and immediately shut off the water associated with it. For example, for toilet leaks, search nearby for the shutoff valve. If you’re looking for the shutoff valve to your toilet, search behind it and look for a knob that is shaped like a football. To switch off the water supply, rotate this knob clockwise until it’s securely tightened. Similarly, if there is a leaking faucet, look for its complementary shutoff valve underneath your sink; it should be shaped similarly to the one from before, then turn it off.
If you can’t find the direct shutoff valve, your best bet is to simply turn off the main water supply. But be aware that this action will result in all running water stopping – not just in one area of your home.
Check Your Electrical Appliances and Outlets-
It’s urgent to inspect your appliances and outlets now that the water supply has been turned off. Neglecting this could lead to a hazardous situation, especially if you are dealing with flooding or standing water. So, depending on your particular plumbing emergency, please take into account the possible risk of floodwater damaging appliances or reaching electrical outlets in severe flooding scenarios. To guarantee your safety, you can turn off the primary circuit breaker. Furthermore, if it is possible for you to do so, make sure to unplug all electronics too!
Clean Up Any Excess Water-
Once the flooding has subsided, start tidying up any standing water while you wait for a licensed plumber to come. Acting swiftly and proactively is essential; by removing the mess, you can prevent more water from seeping into your furniture, floors, or walls. Taking these important steps will put you one step ahead in avoiding costly repair bills! You can use towels, rags, and buckets if necessary. Additionally, if possible, use an electric fan, as this can really help expedite drying!
Plumbing catastrophes can take us by surprise, and feeling unprepared could add to the uneasiness. For this reason, we wanted to equip you with all the necessary information so that any plumbing emergency won’t be as daunting for you in future instances. We hope our guide has provided a sense of relief! Furthermore, don’t forget that Centerville Plumbing & Drain is here for your every need; don’t hesitate to call on us!
We’re proud to provide round-the-clock emergency plumbing services 365 days a year! Call us today at (937) 240-0169, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
