3 Things To Do In A Plumbing Emergency

Almost every homeowner will experience a plumbing emergency at some point in their lives, although this may not be something that a homeowner looks forward to. While most homeowners tend to panic when a plumbing emergency arises in the home, the potential damage can be minimized be knowing what steps to take during the situation. One step to take during an emergency plumbing situation is to call an emergency plumber, but it is also helpful to be familiar with the following tips.

Shut the Water Off

During an emergency, there is a good chance that you will experience some flooding, a possible leak in the ceiling, soggy drywall, etc. When you notice these types of issues, you should immediately turn off the closest water source to help prevent any further damage to your home and belongings. For example, if the toilet is the problem, you can turn off the water valve at its base. For large plumbing emergencies, the main water valve may need to be switched off.

Stop Any Small Leaks

As soon as you have turned off the water, you may notice a small leak of some kind. If possible, stop the leak. In doing so, you are helping to prevent further damage inside the home. For instance, you can place a bucket underneath the drip or stuff some towels around the plumbing pipes.

Drain the Spigots

It is important that you keep in mind there is a good chance that some amount of water will likely remain in the plumbing pipes and hoses once you have switched off the water valve. To get the water away from the house, you should turn on all outside spigots and the water hose. This important step will allow you to drain the water that is left inside of the pipes away from the foundation of the home, thus preventing more damage.

The aforementioned tips can help a homeowner be more prepared in tackling an emergency plumbing situation. A lot of homeowners are able to handle minor plumbing issues on their own, but when it comes to emergency situations, it is often best to leave the repairs to the professionals, as time is of the essence and everything needs to be done correctly. When you find yourself in need of professional assistance in your home due to an emergency plumbing issue, get in touch with an emergency plumbing contractor in your area.