Emergency plumbing situations can arise at the most inopportune moments. Of course, if something happens, you need to act right away and try to keep the problems at bay before the plumbing professional shows up. We have taken the opportunity to compile a few no-nonsense tips to help you through an emergency plumbing situation.
Know The Location Of The Main Shut-Off Valve
The first thing you should figure out when you move into a new home is where to find the main shut-off valve. This is an extreme solution to a plumbing problem, but it can help keep your home from getting flooded. The shut-off valve for your property is located near your water meter unless you have a well, and in that case, the well pump is usually found in the well house.
In some cases, it makes more sense to individually shut off the water supply to each fixture. That means if you have a clogged toilet problem, shutting off the water supply to your toilet means that you can wait until help arrives. Isolating a plumbing problem can allow you to use the rest of your home, but still address individual plumbing issues pertaining to certain fixtures. The shut-off valves for each fixture in your home should be inspected regularly on a yearly basis.
Fixing A Clogged Toilet
The most common household problem is a clogged toilet, but that can be fixed with a bit of plumbing know-how. When you see that your toilet is almost overflowing, turn on the bathroom sink's faucet to slow down the water supply to your toilet. This will give you just enough time to quickly shut down the water supply leading to your toilet and grab a flange plunger. You can safely use the plunger to unclog your toilet once the water supply has been shut off as it won't damage your flooring or cause flooding.
Addressing A Dripping Or Leaky Faucet
A dripping or leaky faucet can cost you a lot of money if it goes unfixed. Before things get out of hand, fix it! Sometimes, the fix is as easy as replacing the o-ring. Other times, you may need to simply clean your faucet by taking it apart and reassembling it. However, for extensive repairs, it's best to leave it up to a professional plumber. Until the plumber arrives, use the shut-off valve to avoid having the faucet cause any serious problems.
Keep in mind, that these tips by no means should replace the expertise of a professional plumbing contractor. Sometimes, attempting to fix a burst pipe or a major plumbing problem can lead to further issues. A contractor can help maintain your plumbing pipes and find the source of problems that could be causing your plumbing to malfunction.
Emergency plumbing services can be expensive, so it's best to shut off the water and don't attempt to fix things yourself. A leaky faucet or a clogged toilet can be signs of something more serious!
