Help Is On The Way: Things To Do While Waiting For A Plumber.
Plumbing issues are very inconvenient. However, what will you do if you find yourself with a true plumbing emergency? This can be a very scary moment as you fear that the threat of damage to your home looms with every passing second.
The first step you need to take is calling a plumbing professional. Pick up your phone and ask for a plumber to be sent to your place immediately.
However, while you are waiting for the plumber, you need to do some things to avoid further damage. Depending on the situation, these will prevent things from getting worse while waiting for help.
Turn the water off
Before you even think of calling a plumber, you need to first turn the water off immediately. It is very important to know where your property’s mains are and how to shut them off so that in case of an emergency you will not have to spend a lot of time looking for them.
Turn the hot water system off
If your hot water tank is leaking, you need to shut down the system. You need to also familiarize yourself with the operation of your heating system so that you know where the switch is located.
You can also isolate this system so that you can continue to use cold water throughout the house. There is usually a separate isolation valve that controls this.
Stop any residual leaks
Any leaks that occur from fixtures can be isolated if they have a specific valve. Trace the pipe back to any valve and turn to shut off the flow. If the water is flowing or gushing, turn off the water at the mains.
Use a duct or Teflon tape to temporarily hold off any residual water leaking from taps or pipe connectors. Use a container to collect any drops and place towels around the area to hold off further water damage until the arrival of the plumber.
If there is a gas leak, it is important to know where the gas main that is the gas meter is located and turn the isolation valve to the ‘Off’ position. This will immediately shut off all gas supply until further help arrives.
Unblock drains
Having a blocked drain emergency can be very scary as the water can overflow without warning. If you find yourself in this situation, you need to stop using any water in the house.
If you discover that you have a minor blockage and you know the source, it is good to use methods such as the cup plunger to unblock the sinks and toilets.
Drains will usually block over time and the best indication of this is a gurgling sound. A gurgling sound during the drainage process is usually a sign of a blockage. If you notice this, it is good to call a plumber to provide a solution rather than waiting for it to get worse without further warning.
Stay Calm
The most important thing when a plumbing emergency occurs is to stay calm and act logically. It is very important to read this tips and understand them well but always remember that familiarizing yourself with your mains will help you maintain control during an emergency. Having the ability to think straight will go a long way in helping you hold off the damage until a professional arrives.