What to Do in a Plumbing Emergency

 

Plumbing emergencies are far from convenient. No one wants to have a clogged or broken pipe, or come home to standing water. But the fact is that a plumbing emergency is inevitable in most homes. You might as well do what you can to be prepared for it. This guide explains what to do in a plumbing emergency so you can be ready in a worst case scenario.

Shut off the Water Source

Depending on where the plumbing emergency is in your home, you need to turn off the closest source of water. For instance, if your sink is leaking, turn off the faucet leading to it. If the toilet is flooding, you can turn the valve at the base of the tank or commode. If it is a more serious issue like a break in a pipe, you may need to turn off the main water valve. Different valves require different tools and techniques to shut off, but most can be turned off by rotating the valve clockwise.

Note that you may need to contact your water company in order to shut off your water line. They will send out a representative as quickly as possible to turn it off. Contact your utility provider ahead of time to determine if you will have to do this in the event of a plumbing emergency.

Turn off Your Water Heater

For major emergencies that require you to turn off the main water line, it is best to shut off your water heater. That will prevent the unit from getting damaged due to a lack of water or excessive heat build-up. If you have a gas water heater, turn off the gas and then turn off the water heater.

Stop Small Leaks (as Much as Possible)

If you see a small leak in your plumbing, you can try to temporarily fix it with plumber’s tape. This is a special type of tape that seals leaky pipes until they can be repaired or replaced. You may also be able to reduce the water loss from the leak by sticking towels or rags in the cracks, or you may put buckets underneath the leak to prevent it from damaging your flooring. All of these solutions are temporary, and they should not be considered a permanent fix for the problem.

Contact your plumber right away and let them know about leaky areas that you have patched up. They can complete the necessary repairs from there.

Call an Emergency Plumber

When you need reliable emergency plumbing services, Abbott’s Plumbing is here to help. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you’ve having issues with a broken water line, clogged drain, water heater damage, or anything else along those lines, we have the tools and expertise to get the job done right. Give us a call at 410-796-0442 and we can help determine if the emergency poses any safety issues and often provide advice on what to do while you are waiting for us to arrive. All of our trucks are fully stocked with all the plumbing equipment needed to get your system back in working order.