Are you aware that a large number of home repairs can be attributed to unforeseen plumbing emergencies? Water damage is a real thing – and it can be costly! While this may seem unnecessary while nothing is awry with your plumbing work now, it’s important to note that knowing what to do before a plumbing emergency occurs will make all the difference in minimizing the severity of water damage and home repairs when one does occur. It is for this reason that your local professionals at Miamisburg Plumbing & Drain have compiled a few steps to guide you and provide assurance that if anything happens with your plumbing work, you are well-equipped.
WHAT STEPS SHOULD HOMEOWNERS TAKE BEFORE A PLUMBING EMERGENCY ARISES?
- In case of a plumbing emergency, it is necessary that everyone who is of appropriate age in your home knows where the main water valve is and how to turn It off and on. The last thing you need in the moment of a plumbing emergency is to be frantically running around looking for the main shutoff while there’s water spouting out and flooding everywhere!
- To help alleviate the burden of stress, storing a list of emergency contact numbers for your home insurance company and plumber in an easy-to-find location is not a bad idea! Even if it seems like an unnecessary precaution now, having this information prepared and easily accessible can save you time and energy during these overwhelming situations.
- Keep a stockpile of old towels, rags, or unused buckets on hand. If you have an extra space in a closet or a spot in the garage that you can store them in – perfect! By keeping them in an easily accessible area, you won’t have to run around looking for a way to clean up the mess. In addition, keeping a supply like this on hand can be beneficial for other unexpected household scenarios as well.
WHAT STEPS SHOULD HOMEOWNERS TAKE IF A PLUMBING EMERGENCY ARISES?
- Stay calm, and don’t panic. If there is a plumbing component in your house that goes crazy, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed in the moment. But try not to panic. Instead, take a deep breath and step back for a second. You got this! Acting accordingly with a level head is key to resolving any plumbing emergency rapidly.
- Shut off the water supply to the problematic area. Now that you’ve stepped back and assessed the situation. How can you stop the situation from progressing further? For example, if it’s a sink causing the problem, look for the direct shutoff valve underneath the sink. If it’s a toilet-related issue, check for the valve in the back of the toilet. Remember, if you cannot pinpoint the direct valve for the affected area or you are dealing with a larger issue like burst pipes, you will likely need to shut off your main water supply. Bear in mind, this will result in no running water for the entire home.
- You should unplug appliances that may have gotten wet & turn off the circuit breaker if needed. In terms of safety, flooding or standing water making contact with an appliance or outlet can be detrimental. So, perform a quick inspection to assess the severity of the plumbing mishap, then switch off and unplug any appliances as necessary. Additionally, based on the magnitude of the plumbing issue at hand, it may also be prudent to shut off the circuit breaker if there are signs that electrical outlets were victims of water damage.
- You should call a licensed professional. Calling an experienced and licensed plumber is in your best interests when it comes to plumbing emergencies. Now that the water supply has been cut off and all electrical components have been inspected, the issue has been halted from progressing further. So, use this time to contact a professional.
- You should clean up excess water to reduce further damage. Don’t wait for your plumber to arrive before attempting cleanup. Otherwise, the water damage could worsen, leaving you with more required repairs and, ultimately, a huge headache! You’ll be grateful for those extra towels, rags, and buckets you stored away. Furthermore, by cleaning up beforehand will allow your plumber to work in a clear space, enabling them to quickly diagnose and resolve the issue.
We hope that our advice here has provided you with a sense of assurance and peace of mind. If ever you find yourself in a plumbing emergency, you can count on Miamisburg Plumbing & Drain! We are here to solve all your plumbing problems – from minor repairs to plumbing emergencies; we’ve got your back! Contact us today at (937) 705-0297, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!