It's the last thing anyone wants to think about but at some point in time, most people experience a plumbing emergency. A leaking toilet, a burst pipe, a gas leak or a blocked drain are just some of the sudden problems that could cause damage to your home and need immediate attention. Here are 7 simple, essential tips for what to do in a
plumbing emergency
.
1. Shut Off The Water Valve
As soon as a major problem occurs, such as a burst pipe, switch off the main water valve to your home, to stop or minimise flooding. The main valve can be found on the outside of the home, generally close to the water meter. If the problem involves just one specific fixture, such as a tap or a toilet, you can shut off just the water to that fixture. These are usually located behind or at the base of the fixture and this avoids shutting off the water to the rest of your home.
2. Switch Off Hot Water System
If you’re shutting off the main water valve, it’s best to switch off your hot water system as well. This prevents the possibility of damage from overheating or bursting. If your system is gas, then it’s important to shut off the gas first before switching off the hot water system, to ensure you don’t need additional repairs. This is equally as important if you detect a
gas leak.
3. Using A Plunger For Blockages
Always have plungers within reach in your home. In some cases, a
drain blockage might be one you fix quickly and easily. Push and pull the plunger up and down over the drain and if the blockage is soft enough it will break up and clear. If repeated attempts don’t work or the blockage keeps returning, then call your plumber.
4. Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals
Avoid the prolonged use of drain cleaners from stores. Whilst they might give a temporary fix, they don’t address the underlying reason for the problem. Your plumber can identify the cause of the problem and deliver a permanent solution.
While waiting for an emergency plumber, you can use buckets to catch leaking and running water, to limit the impact on areas of your home, such as carpeting. The good old handy duct tape can also help when used to cover the problem points on a tap or a pipe.
After you have shut off the main water supply, there will be some residual water in the pipes that could still cause issues. By turning on external taps and hoses, you can drain off any water still pooled in the pipes. If there has been any internal flooding, remove as much of the standing water as you can using mops, towels, and fans. All of these measures will help minimise damage to floors, drywall, and prevent mould.
7. Protect Your Belongings
Once you’ve contacted a plumber and have done what you can to contain leaks and flooding, move furniture, electricals, and personal belongings away from the affected areas.
It’s our hope you never experience a plumbing emergency. If you do, don’t panic, follow the steps listed here, and
contact the plumber Port Macquarie can rely on. Call the expert team at
Richardson Plumbing and Gas Service
on
0417 660 041.
