4 Helpful Tips for Handling a Plumbing Emergency
A plumbing emergency is never fun, and for some reason, they always seem to come at the least opportune times. A pipe will burst right before the entire extended family shows up for a holiday dinner, or the basement will flood the morning you were supposed to leave for a vacation. Whatever cosmic joke your plumbing emergency is participating in, there are things you should be keeping in mind as you handle the problem. The following will break down the things you need to consider as you deal with your plumbing issues.
Of course, in an emergency, you should call a professional. Poorly handled plumbing emergencies can result in serious damage to your property as well as health risks for you and your family. Most plumbers keep some of their daily schedules open to react quickly to emergencies. You should be able to get service the day you call if your problem is an emergency.
1. If There Is A Gas Leak, Get Out Of The House
First and foremost, if your plumbing emergency has anything to do with the gas lines or includes a gassy smell in the air, leave the house. If there are any signs of a gas leak, make sure you, your family, and your pets are somewhere far from the building and call 911 before you call your local plumber. On your way out, be sure not to turn anything on or off as this could potentially result in a spark that could catch fire if there’s gas in the air. Do not smoke or use flames anywhere near the property for the same reason.
2. If There’s Flooding Or Water Leaking, Minimize Water Damage
While you’re waiting for your plumber to arrive, there are steps you can be taken to minimize the damage done to your home and belongings. You can begin by placing buckets beneath leaks and setting towels on the floor where the water is gathering. Experts at allserviceplumbers.com/placentia/ suggest that if you’re comfortable doing so, you should turn off the water valve in your home while you wait for the plumber to arrive. Your plumber may be able to talk you through this when you call if you are having difficulty finding the valve.
Move items that could become waterlogged or damaged easily and if there are young children nearby or individuals at risk of slipping and becoming seriously injured, make sure that all safety precautions have been taken on their behalf. Mop up any excess water as soon as you can to reduce the risk of mold or mildew growing. Mold can release toxic spores into the air, which can harm you and your family members and can last long after your plumbing emergency is dealt with.
3. If The Smell Or Colour Of Your Water Is Off, Get Your Water Tested
2. If There’s Flooding Or Water Leaking, Minimize Water Damage
While you’re waiting for your plumber to arrive, there are steps you can be taken to minimize the damage done to your home and belongings. You can begin by placing buckets beneath leaks and setting towels on the floor where the water is gathering. Experts at allserviceplumbers.com/placentia/ suggest that if you’re comfortable doing so, you should turn off the water valve in your home while you wait for the plumber to arrive. Your plumber may be able to talk you through this when you call if you are having difficulty finding the valve.
Move items that could become waterlogged or damaged easily and if there are young children nearby or individuals at risk of slipping and becoming seriously injured, make sure that all safety precautions have been taken on their behalf. Mop up any excess water as soon as you can to reduce the risk of mold or mildew growing. Mold can release toxic spores into the air, which can harm you and your family members and can last long after your plumbing emergency is dealt with.
3. If The Smell Or Colour Of Your Water Is Off, Get Your Water Tested
If your plumbing emergency involves discolored or foul-smelling water, you’re going to want to have your water tested in addition to seeking plumbing help. It is critically important you understand what particles and potential toxins are in your water. Not only should you test this when you notice the strange water, but every so often after your emergency has been dealt with to ensure that there aren’t remnants from your emergency in the water that you drink and cook with. While you’re waiting for the results of your water test, it would be best to purchase clean water for drinking and cooking just in case the cause of the smell or discoloration is a toxic substance. There are a wide variety of water filtration options available to deal with different kinds of water problems. Speak to your plumber about which solutions would suit your home and water.
4. Consider Getting Extra Plumbing Work Done
More than likely, your plumbing emergency was the result of slow and steady damage or build-up that took place over a long period of time. It’s possible that your other drains and pipes might be in nearly the same condition and are ready to produce another emergency. It might be in your best interest to have your plumber take a look at the rest of your plumbing after the emergency has been dealt with. This can prevent you from having to deal with the same issue in another area later on down the road.
With the above tips kept in mind, you are well on your way to handling your plumbing emergency with as much grace as you can. As frustrating as it can be in the moment, try to keep yourself calm and minimize the possible damage done.
4. Consider Getting Extra Plumbing Work Done
More than likely, your plumbing emergency was the result of slow and steady damage or build-up that took place over a long period of time. It’s possible that your other drains and pipes might be in nearly the same condition and are ready to produce another emergency. It might be in your best interest to have your plumber take a look at the rest of your plumbing after the emergency has been dealt with. This can prevent you from having to deal with the same issue in another area later on down the road.
With the above tips kept in mind, you are well on your way to handling your plumbing emergency with as much grace as you can. As frustrating as it can be in the moment, try to keep yourself calm and minimize the possible damage done.