The entire nature of a plumbing emergency is that you never know when one will strike. Since a plumbing emergency is unexpected, it can be difficult to know how to act. Unfortunately, panicking or doing the wrong thing can result in costly water damage compromising your home. Even if you don’t notice the subtle signs that a plumbing situation is developing inside your home, taking quick action can avoid the unpleasant scenario of being ankle deep in water. So, here we’ll explain what you should do if your home is struck by a plumbing emergency.
Get the Water Shut Off
Before you even pick up the phone to
call a plumber, you need to get the water shut off. In the five minutes you’re on the phone, gallons of water could have flowed into your home. So, your first step in a plumbing emergency is to get to your shut off valve and close off the water supply. This will stop any more water entering your home, so it is important that you know where your shut off is located and how to use it before an emergency situation develops.
Turn On Your Faucets
While you have prevented more water coming into your home, there will be lots of water still in your pipes. So, you need to drain this by turning on all your faucets. This will divert any remaining water in the pipes away from the possible leak.
Call Your Plumber
One of the worst things about a plumbing emergency is not knowing who to call. So, it is a good idea to get to know a reliable plumber before you have an emergency situation. Audition plumbers to find a reputable service who can respond to emergencies 24/7. Ideally, this will be a local plumber who can get to your home quickly in the event of a problem.
Get Cleaning Up
Even if your plumber can get to you within an hour or two, those puddles of water can create massive problems. Therefore, it is important to get cleaning up. Any water should be wiped down or mopped to minimize water damage and mold growth. It is a good idea to use some old towels to soak up any water and try to dry the area as much as possible. You should also clear the area of any soft furnishings or other items that may suffer water damage. If the emergency is related to an overflowing toilet or clogged drain, you need to be aware that the water may be dirty, so take care with your clean up to prevent health risks. Be sure to keep any children and pets away from the area to prevent further mess and problems.
A plumbing emergency can happen at any moment, so it is important to have an idea of how to handle the situation. Advance preparation can help you to avoid scrambling around in the instant you discover the problem, so you can take proactive action immediately and protect your home.
By Giovanni Longo President Flood Brothers Plumbing
Giovanni Longo is a 3rd generation master plumber who has been practicing his craft and trade in the greater Los Angeles area for well over a decade and a half. A plumbing and hydraulics-engineering innovator, Giovanni’s particular world-class expertise focuses on dealing with challenging sewer system designs as well as resolving complex commercial and residential draining issues. As a certified Flood Mitigation expert, he is also well versed in a wide variety of water damage and remediation solution.
