Struggling with plumbing emergencies is never fun. In the case that one occurs, make sure you take these steps right off the bat.
A plumbing emergency can interrupt your routine and leave you with serious repairs and cleanup to take care of. Nobody feels like they’re ready for plumbing emergencies when they occur unexpectedly, but there are a few steps you can take to prepare for these emergencies. After all, even with the right maintenance, it’s important for any homeowner to try and expect the unexpected. Make sure you’re familiar with the basic steps of handling plumbing emergencies to prevent water damage or making the issue worse. Here’s how you should handle plumbing emergencies.
Turn Off the Water Source
The first thing you should do when things start to go awry, or when you encounter a plumbing emergency underway, is to shut off the water source. This means if your sink is leaking, you should turn off the faucet leading to the sink. If your toilet is running, shut off the valve at the base of the toilet. Larger issues, like burst pipes, will require you to turn off the main water line. No matter the severity, the first step you should take in the event of any plumbing emergency is to shut off the appropriate water source. This can help you avoid extensive water damage and hopefully keep the issue from worsening. In some especially severe emergencies, you may even need to contact your water company to shut off your water line. It’s a good idea for preparedness for homeowners to call their utility providers and familiarize themselves with what this entails in case of a plumbing emergency.
Shut Off the Water Heater
If you need to shut off your main valve or call the utility company to have your water line shut off, it’s a good idea to also shut off the water heater. If you leave your water heater running during a serious plumbing emergency, it can damage the unit, leading to even greater repair costs and greater issues with your plumbing.
Tape Up Leaks Where Possible
While you will need to contact your plumbing professional in the event of a plumbing emergency, you can try to prevent extensive damage by taping up leaks with plumber’s tape. This is a great tool for homeowners to keep on hand. Large leaks will require immediate attention by a professional plumber, but in the meantime, you can stop leaks wherever possible with plumber’s tape to prevent water damage and hopefully keep the leaks from getting any worse.
Get in Touch With B&D Today!
Dealing with any plumbing concerns that require a professional to step in? Struggling with an absolute plumbing emergency that can’t wait? Let B&D Plumbing know. B&D Plumbing Inc. services the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area, including Maryland and Northern Virginia. Get in touch with us by calling (301) 595-1141 or follow us on social media including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. As a small, family-owned business, we understand how important your home is—and we offer exceptional service that matches!