When a plumbing emergency happens, you need to act fast to prevent further damage to your home. A burst pipe can quickly go from a fairly inexpensive fix to very costly water damage in your home. In a plumbing emergency, every second counts. Knowing how to handle these emergencies beforehand can save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars by allowing you to act quickly and effectively.
Plumbing Emergency Basics
There are many different types of plumbing emergencies, including clogged or backed up drains. However, the one that can do the most damage in the least amount of time is a burst pipe or broken water fixture. If water is spraying unchecked into your home, it can do extensive damage in a very short period. In such a situation, you need to know how to stop the flow of water as soon as possible.
- Shut off the water supply. You need to know how to shut off the water supply to your home. This can be done two ways, either at the city water meter, which generally requires a plumbing key, or at the main water valve that is usually located where the water main enters the house.
- Individual valves. In addition to the main water valve, there are several individual valves throughout your home. These can be under the sinks, behind toilets and near any major water appliance.
First and foremost, when a pipe bursts or a fixture is spraying water, cut off the water supply either to that particular area or to the whole home in order to prevent major damage while you await professional attention. The next step is to call your local plumbing professional to get the problem resolved. By being prepared, you can prevent a small problem for turning into a big expense with quick thinking.
Posted on behalf of Tony McAdams, A-1 National Sewer and Drain
