Owning a home is typically correlated with certain duties and responsibilities, yet what many don’t realize is that plumbing-related emergencies are the cause of numerous home repairs. As a result, we strongly suggest taking immediate action in these situations so you can dodge costly repair expenses brought about by water damage. Furniture, walls, and floors can suffer water damage if left unchecked, not to mention the expensive repairs that accompany them. So, don’t wait until you encounter a plumbing emergency. Prepare now BEFORE it happens. Join Gahanna Plumbing & Drain today as we provide great advice about how to handle plumbing emergencies in a timely manner.
Are You Ready to Tackle an Unexpected Plumbing Emergency?
- Staying Calm Is Key- Don’t let plumbing emergencies overwhelm you when they happen. Sure, they can be stressful, but in the moment, you should take a second to step back and breathe. It’s essential that no hasty decisions are made. Therefore, you should remain calm and clear-minded while considering your options before taking action. With a calm demeanor and an informed perspective, you can tackle any plumbing emergency efficiently.
- Keeping a Stockpile of Old Towels, Rags, & Buckets Is Handy- Although this may seem minuscule, it can be greatly beneficial in the event of an unexpected plumbing emergency! Collecting old towels, rags, and unused buckets, plus storing them in an easily accessible place is recommended. With supplies on hand, if a plumbing emergency does occur, you’ll have what you need for quick cleanup and damage control.
- Knowing Where Your Main Water Supply Is Crucial- Ensure that all of age family members know where your main water supply valve is. Knowing how to turn it off and on is also helpful. When you’re in a plumbing crisis, time does not need to be wasted looking for where it is and how to shut it off. So, be proactive and confirm that everyone knows where your home’s main water shutoff valve is.
- Contacting a Licensed Plumber Is Advised- Don’t waste your time and resources trying to DIY a repair unless you are a licensed plumber. Instead, take control of the situation by contacting a licensed plumber as soon as possible. If you need a local plumber you can trust, take a chance on us; we’d be ecstatic to provide you with our customer service!
What Should You Do When an Unexpected Plumbing Emergency Occurs?
When plumbing disasters occur, homeowners should follow these steps:
- Be Sure to Shut Off the Water Supply- In case of a plumbing emergency like an overflowing toilet or gushing faucet, it is paramount to quickly find and shut off the water source. For example, if your toilet is overflowing, you should look behind the toilet for the valve to turn off. It is normally in the shape of a football. You can rotate the knob clockwise to turn it off. Another instance is if you are presented with a leaking faucet that needs to be turned off immediately, look for its individual shutoff valve directly beneath your sink and turn it to the right. Keep in mind that if for any reason, you cannot locate the individual valve for the problematic area, you may switch off your home’s main water supply, as we discussed earlier. Just remember that this shuts off your entire home’s water supply and not just the individual area.
- Be Sure to Check Out Your Electrical Appliances and Outlets- To prevent further destruction, it is necessary to check your appliances and outlets if you are dealing with flooding or standing water. It’s a good idea to check on any appliances and nearby outlets that may be impacted as a result. Depending on the intensity of your plumbing issue, you may or may not need to turn off the main circuit breaker and unplug any affected appliances to be safe. Taking these steps swiftly can help in preventing detrimental situations from escalating.
- Be Sure to Clean Up Any Excess Water- Acting quickly and accordingly is the most important thing when water damage is involved. Therefore, in times of plumbing emergencies, after everything is shut off as needed, grab those towels, rags, or buckets to clean up excess water lying around. (You’ll be grateful for those extra towels, rags, and buckets you kept on hand!) Furthermore, if you have an electric fan in your home that you can utilize, this will speed up the drying process. Cleaning up as soon as you are able will not only minimize the effects of water damage, but it will also be beneficial for your plumber once they arrive, as it will clear the area for them to better assess the issue.
Don’t let plumbing emergencies overwhelm you! Our goal is to make sure that any future plumbing emergencies don’t leave you feeling helpless and stressed. Just remember you can always rely on us for your plumbing needs! Gahanna Plumbing & Drain is here for you. We’ll be ready to help diagnose and fix the situation as soon as we can! Call us today at(614) 245-2256, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!