Plumbing emergencies can strike seemingly out of nowhere. When they do, it’s easy to go into panic mode and feel like the walls are literally caving in. The first step is to breathe and know that any plumbing emergency is fixable at any time of day. Then, you can calmly go through the following checklist of steps and call for professional help.
Things To Remember In A Plumbing Emergency
Turn off the water
This one sounds pretty obvious right now when you’re completely detached from the situation, but it might not come to mind when you’re in panic mode. If you have water flowing into your home from somewhere it shouldn’t, shutting off the water is essential to prevent too much excess water from doing the same. It’s also a good way to shut the system down in advance before a plumber comes to check everything out. This leaves you with an important question right now. Do you know where the valve is in your home to turn it off? It’s something you were probably shown when you moved in, but are you sure? Go and check once you’re done reading this guide.
Turn off the electricity
This is an important safety precaution to implement as soon as possible after a leak. You don’t have to shut off all the electricity to the whole property, just the circuits in the areas around the leak. For example, if you have water running through the kitchen walls from an upstairs leak or some kind of burst pipe, you’ll want to shut off the power to the sockets and lights in that room. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Even a little water on a light switch can put you at risk of an electric shock. A widespread flood could be a disaster. It’s an inconvenience, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Again, if you aren’t completely sure how to shut off each circuit on the breaker, go and find out at the end of this.
Clean up the water
Once everything is off and secure, you can start thinking about the clean-up process as the next health and safety precaution. Wet patches on the floor are a hazard for anyone who comes in and doesn’t realize how bad the leak is. Standing water can also become a problem if left alone for too long. It can start sleeping deeper into the floors or your walls and causing flood damage. You could be left with structural and cosmetic damage that’s difficult to rectify. Even if all you do is put some towels down to start soaking it up, it’s better than nothing.
Control the leak
At the same time as mopping up the water that’s leaked into your home, you need to consider how you’re going to control any leak you can’t immediately stop. Switching off the water might not stop the flow if it’s coming from another source or there’s a lot of excess water that needs to drain away. How will you collect that to stop those puddles of floodwater getting any worse? Use any water-tight container you have directly underneath any drips or water flows. You need to be careful beyond that. Some guides will tell you to tie rags or use plumber tape around pipes when you’ve found the direct source. However, you must be sure you won’t make the situation worse.
Call a plumber
Once you know that the problem is as contained as possible and everyone on the property is safe, you can look for an emergency plumber. You can find an Arvada emergency plumber online through directories and Google search tools. Make sure they work within your area and can come out as soon as possible. Give them a call, tell them as much as you can about the problem so they know what they’re dealing with, and wait for them to come and fix everything.
Clear the area
As you’re waiting for someone to come out and deal with the problem, you can make things easier for them. Plumbers will appreciate a direct path and easy access to the issue as much as possible. For example, if you are sure that the problem stems from one of the pipes in the bathroom, clear as much space as possible in the room and make the area as easy to work in as possible. Clear any shelves or cabinets, and give them space to put any tools they might have with them. It’s also a good idea to get the kids and any pets somewhere out the way. They should be clear of the room anyway for health and safety, but plumbers don’t need those additional distractions.
Call On Expert Emergency Plumbers For Help
Emergency plumbing problems are precisely that, an emergency. While you might think that you have the skills to handle the job, or at least want to take a look at it yourself. It’s best not to. That’s fine when you have a clogged U bend under the sink; it’s not causing any harm, and you’re prepared to get your hands dirty. It’s not okay when you have water damage to your home, a disrupted water supply, and are at risk of putting people in danger. Get on the phone and call an emergency plumber. Don’t worry about the cost or time of day either. Some companies can send out local plumbers at unsociable hours for a fair price. They’ll be there as quickly as possible and do their best to get the problem sorted efficiently and cost-effectively. Also, paying for an emergency plumber right away could reduce the risk of paying out for expensive renovations and repairs if the problem continues.
So, if you ever find yourself dealing with a plumbing emergency, remember these steps and call on professional help. These emergency plumbers will have your leak sorted out in no time, but it’s a lot easier if you remember to secure the area, clear up the mess, and keep everyone safe.
