Plumbing emergencies are going to appear at the worst time possible. How they're handled before a plumber arrives can make a difference in how severe the problem is, how much further repair is needed to the home, and how many other problems the issue might cause. When there is a plumbing emergency, doing all of the following is typically a good idea.
Turn Off the Water
The first thing the homeowner should do when they need a plumber to handle an emergency is to turn off the water. In some cases, it may be possible to just turn off the water to the area of the home having an issue. If not, though, it's necessary to turn off the water to the whole home. Do this by finding the water shut-off valve and turning it off completely. Homeowners should locate this valve before an emergency, but the local water company may be able to provide guidance if they need help.
Shut Off the Water Heater
The next step, if the water to the whole home has been shut off, is to turn off the water heater. It's necessary to drain the water to prevent further damage if there is a major leak or burst pipe, and it's never a good idea to have the water heater on when there's no water in it. This can cause severe damage or a fire. Instead, shut off the water heater based on the energy source and follow all directions from the manufacturer to make sure it's turned off properly.
Drain Water From Home
If there is a major leak or burst pipe, draining the water from the home can help to prevent further damage. Homeowners can drain the water by turning on all faucets, flushing the toilets, and turning on showers or tubs. This will drain the water from the water heater, too. Once the water stops flowing, it should stop leaking, too. This will help prevent further water damage in the home and make it easier for the plumber to start to work.
Call for Help Right Away
It's a good idea to call in a plumber for help immediately. All of the water will cause damage to the home, which can mean it's more expensive to get everything fixed. A plumber can walk the homeowner through further steps to minimize damage and prepare the home for repairs. They'll arrive quickly and get right to work, ensuring the issue is fixed quickly so the home can get back to normal.
Start Cleaning Water
While the homeowner is waiting for the plumber to arrive, they should take the time to clean up the water. It's not a good idea to clean dirty water or sewage water, as it can be dangerous. However, if the water is clean, the homeowner can safely clean up as much as possible using a mop and bucket for smaller amounts and a shop vac for larger amounts. The faster it's cleaned, the less damage it will do to the home.
If you have a plumbing emergency in your home, follow these steps and have a plumber take a look. They can help get everything fixed right away so you can turn the water back on and won't have to worry about further damage to the home.
