By Shawn Barton
Every homeowner will have their own share of plumbing issues. There are so many things that can go wrong with your plumbing system. Your sinks, drains, or toilets could clog. Your fixtures could burst, or your main pipes could leak. These emergency plumbing issues can be caused by a number of factors.
- Negligence – Throwing or flushing things other than toilet paper could cause clogs.
- Damaged Fixtures – Wear and tear are normal, especially with older plumbing systems.
- Emergency situations – External damage or weather related events could damage pipes and other fixtures.
Here are six ways to handle emergency plumbing issues before a plumber needs to be called.
Look Out for Signs of Trouble
Most plumbing emergencies can be avoided if homeowners recognize signs of problems early and take the necessary steps to fix them. According to https://www.plumbingfix.com/downey, if you’re well aware of how your plumbing system works, you can easily recognize impending plumbing failures before they happen.
For instance, a slowly draining sink, a leaking faucet or condensation on your water heater are signs that need immediate attention. Always call a plumber when you see these signs.
Have Plumbing Issues Fixed Right Away
Again, many homeowners will assume that a plumbing problem is small only to end up dealing with a bigger problem or serious emergencies when least expected. A simple faucet leak could be damaging your other fixtures and pipes, even promoting mold growth. Have these issues fixed before they get worse.
Know Where Your Home’s Water Shut-Off Valve Is
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed during an unexpected plumbing emergency. Reacting quickly is key to avoiding potentially dangerous situations, like indoor flooding. Know where your main water shut off valve is so you can cut off the water supply to all areas of your house.
Take the advice from a company that offers water damage restoration services, www.restorationelite.com, who claim that locating all crucial valves in your home ahead of time is critical in averting dangerous situations like burst water pipes or sewer system.
Watch Out for Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes are the biggest problem during winter. When water inside the pipes freezes, you’re potentially looking at cracked or burst pipes. When they unfreeze, and normal water flow resumes, you could have a serious leak that needs immediate attention.
To prevent frozen pipes, take these precautions:
- Insulate all exterior pipes with the right insulation.
- Open cupboard doors to allow indoor heat to warm the pipes.
- Run a small amount of water during freezing nights to prevent ice from forming.
Learn How To Thaw Frozen Pipes
Sometimes, pipes will freeze but don’t burst or crack. When this happens, carefully thaw them and inspect for damage.
Wrap the pipes with heat tape or utilize other heat sources like a space heater, hair dryer. or thermo lamp to thaw trouble spots. Make sure your main water valve is off. If you identify any cracks or damage on the pipes, call a plumber immediately.
Know What to Do
The best way to deal with plumbing emergencies is to know what to do when something happens. For instance, if there is a major leak, shutting off the main water valve won’t be enough. Have the right supplies to mop up as much water as you can to reduce water damage. Water heaters should also be turned off when there are leaks.
While you can always fix small plumbing issues on your own, calling a plumber is the best way to have plumbing issues diagnosed and fixed in the best way possible.
Author Bio
Shawn Barton is a super-connector with ManageBacklinks.io who helps businesses with building their audience online through outreach, partnerships, and networking. Shawn frequently writes about the latest advancements in the SaaS world and digital marketing.