Homeowners, do you know how many home repairs are caused by water damage from plumbing emergencies? Quite a large number of home repairs can actually be attributed to the result of unforeseen plumbing emergencies. Therefore, we firmly believe that preparing yourself and being familiar with what to do if a plumbing emergency does arise can make all the difference. At Upper Arlington Plumbing & Drain, we have compiled useful tips that will give you invaluable peace of mind for any unexpected issues. Get ready and stay equipped today so that should something occur in your home, you’ll be ready!
What Is the Best Way to Prepare for a Plumbing Emergency?
- First of all, having all your age-appropriate family members know the location of the main water shut-off valve as well as how to properly operate it is fundamental in case of an emergency. The last thing you want is to be wasting time shuffling around looking for it in the midst of a plumbing emergency.
- Furthermore, having a list of emergency contact numbers for your home insurance provider and local plumbing service is invaluable. Although it may not feel like a necessary step now, making sure it’s in an easily accessible place (I.e., the refrigerator) so that you don’t need to search for the details during stressful times will make all the difference in your time of need.
- Remain prepared and keep your necessary cleaning supplies all in one accessible space! Having old towels, rags, or buckets on hand could be a lifesaver for quick cleanup.
What Is the Best Thing to Do When a Plumbing Emergency Occurs?
- The first thing you should not do is let panic overwhelm you. Pause for a moment and then take deep breaths, relax and assess the situation in front of you.
- To start tackling any plumbing emergency, depending on the situation, it’s possible the primary step you must take is to shut off the flow of water. So, whether you are dealing with a gushing faucet, leaking toilet, or flooding – whatever the case, this can be done by finding and turning off the nearby shutoff valve. If you can’t find the direct valve, you may turn off the main source of running water for your house (as we discussed earlier). Just keep in mind that doing so will result in absolutely no running water throughout your entire home.
- In the event of flooding or standing water, prioritizing safety is paramount. It would be prudent to immediately unplug and disconnect any impacted appliances that were submerged in the water, as well as switch off your circuit breaker if electrical outlets were exposed to it.
- Unless you are a licensed plumber, it is highly discouraged to attempt any plumbing repairs by yourself. Therefore, after prioritizing safety and cutting off the water supply, and ensuring there are no electrical safety risks present, contact a licensed professional as soon as possible.
- Don’t delay commencing the cleaning process while you wait for help to arrive. Water damage can severely affect your walls, floors, and furniture if left unchecked. Therefore, you should soak up any remaining moisture with towels or rags to prevent further harm. Cleaning the area before your plumber arrives will give them a clear workspace, making it easier for them to accurately assess and quickly fix the issue.
Although preventative maintenance can help to decrease the chances of plumbing disasters, unfortunately, they still sometimes occur. To ensure you’re always prepared and able to tackle any plumbing emergency that may arise with ease and efficiency, it’s vital to equip yourself with all available solutions prior. Then in times of crisis, you’ll be able to stay collected, enabling yourself to resolve the issue in a timely manner! We hope this guide has given you peace of mind, knowing that should disaster strike, you will know what steps need to be taken next.
Don’t let plumbing emergencies dampen your day! Upper Arlington Plumbing & Drain is here to provide you with swift and dependable service no matter the time of day. We are open 24/7, around the clock, all year long. So, call us today at (614) 363-1924, or schedule an appointment by clicking here!