Plumbing 101: Emergency Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

Every home has a plumbing and drainage system which will disintegrate over time. And if it disintegrates, possible problems may arise like leaking pipes, clogged drains, and unclean pipes. We never know when our plumbing or drainage system will have a problem. Plumbing emergencies are practically inescapable. So it is better to always be ready ahead of time. Provided below are the emergency tips every homeowner should know.

Shut off your water supply
To stop and decrease the flooding, immediately run to your water supply and shut it down. Other devices and machines in your home have their own valve to shut down water, but it is best to go to the main source, which is your water supply, and shut it down - this will help prevent water damage to your home.

Locate the leak
Leaking is a very common problem with plumbing and drainage systems, so it is better for you to be familiar where your pipes are located. Urgently look at your toilets to see if there are any leaks, proceed to your faucets and heaters to see if there is any leaking too. Make sure to be able to locate your pipes and check them, if you see any leak, do your best to stop it. If you are not able to stop a leak immediately, the problem can escalate quickly - this will require you to ask help from a professional plumber.

Check for clogging
Proceed to your toilets, sinks, or drains and check if they’re clogged. If clogs are present, immediately get your plunger and use it to unclog the blockage. This will help prevent bigger problems from arising. This is why it’s important to stay ahead and be aware of things. Also, a friendly reminder, if your toilet is clogged, do not flush it as it will administer more water.

Turn off the water heater
Right after shutting down your water supply, immediately shut down your water heater, too.  If you leave it turned on, the pressure and temperature will exceed its limits resulting for your water heater to burst. No one wants an additional problem when they’re already currently facing one, right? Prevent future unwanted happenings by acting ahead.

Emergency plumbing kit
Every homeowner should possess an emergency plumbing kit. In times where a plumber is not able to be contacted, you will be the one solving the problems, so it is better to have an emergency plumbing kit. An emergency plumbing kit contains a bucket, plunger, rags, duct tape, Teflon tape, wrenches, Allen keys, rubber gloves, safety goggles, a multi-bit screwdriver, and a hacksaw. Keep note of this and be sure to have them stocked up somewhere in your home.

Contact your plumber asap
Always have your plumber’s number accessible and make sure that they are reliable and easy to contact.