There is no way to avoid a plumbing emergency and you must have faced a situation like this at least once in your life. While dealing with plumbing problems is often considered a DIY business, in some cases, it is better to opt for the help of a professional rather than trying to handle the task yourself. For example, if a plumbing problem is serious enough to cause damage to the house’s structure, then it is advisable to call in a professional immediately to avoid any long lasting damage to your precious residence.
In short, if, on your arrival, you find a leakage in the ceiling, a puddle of water on the floor, or a soggy part of a wall lying on the floor, then it is crucial that you take necessary precautions, as such scenarios indicate plumbing emergencies.
Addressing a Plumbing Emergency Appropriately
Panicking is the natural outcome of any plumbing emergency. However, the problem can be tackled effectively if only you remember to keep your cool.
Here are a few tips for dealing with plumbing emergencies but calling a professional plumber is always a better idea:
Turn off the water source
As soon as you find out about a plumbing emergency, you must always reach the closest water source and shut it off. In the case of running toilets, it may be a simple task such as turning off the valve at the base of the commode, but in other serious situations, you might want to shut off the main valve to avoid wastage of water.
Turn off the water heater
In the case of any plumbing emergency, it is always a good idea to turn off the water heater. This will prevent damage to the unit. Moreover, you must turn off the main source before turning off the unit. This will prevent the welling up of heat inside the unit as that may lead to the unit’s bursting. Similarly, if the water heater runs on gas, you should shut off the source of gas.
Tackling small leaks
If you can identify a small leak, always stop it as best as you can. For example, you can use plumber’s tape from your toolbox to stop the leak from causing more damage. On the other hand, if you do not have plumber’s tape with you, then you can stuff towels or rags around the leaking pipes or even use buckets to stop the leaking water from reaching any structures.
If you think there are a lot of leaks, then it is better to leave them under the care of a professional plumber. However, it is a great idea to keep a record of all the leaks so that you can easily brief the plumber when they arrive.
Some Common Plumbing Emergencies
In order to know what is the best course to take in case of a plumbing emergency, you first must be able to recognize what gives a plumbing problem the status of an emergency. Here are some examples of the most common plumbing emergencies that you are likely to face:
Hot Water Problem
Having a nice bath with warm water is one thing and getting burnt because of that water is another. If the water in the faucet of your sink or in the shower is scalding hot, then it is time for you to check on your water heater. The best practice is to shut it down as it might be over heated. You can restart it after the water starts running cold in the taps. If this simple precaution does not work, then you must hire the services of a reliable plumber.
Dripping Faucet
Despite being an annoying problem, a dripping faucet is not strictly an emergency. However, using a wrench on the valve to shut it may lead to a full-blown leak and that will be an emergency. Always shut off the valve with your bare hands to avoid causing damage to the valves. You can examine the faucet after shutting the valve to fix it. However, it is only recommended if you are familiar with its working, otherwise it is better to simply rely on a professional plumber for long term results.
Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes are indeed the biggest problem for which plumbers are called especially after and during the winter seasons. In case you spot a frozen pipe either inside or outside your house, you are advised to examine it for cracks and breaks. If you find the pipe splitting open, then it is high time you should call a professional plumber to repair the damage for you.
If you do not spot any cracks, then you can thaw the pipes with the help of a hair dryer. However, you must thaw the whole pipe and not a specific portion of the pipe. Also, never use hair dryer if there is pooling water nearby. You must go about the business with care and precaution as you could end up causing a major leak in addition to harming yourself.
You are advised to follow the order below to avoid the problem of frozen pipes:
- Wrap the pipes to insulate them
- Keep your house at a warm temperature
- Disconnect garden hoses
- Allow warm air to reach the pipes by opening cabinet
Leaking Pipes
If you witness a leaking pipe in your house, then the first thing you should do is to turn off the main valve. The second step, however, should be to call a reliable and professional plumber since there is nothing you could do about a leaking pipe. It is a professional’s job to replace or repair them depending upon the situation. Make sure that the people from the plumbing services also check the rest of the pipes in your house as well.
Clogs
Last on the list of most commonly occurring plumbing emergencies is clogged drains. While there are several ways to deal with this recurring problem such as use of plungers and cleaners, these methods are suspected to cause damage to the pipes and structures. Therefore, if a clog does not go away or returns every few days later even after cleaning, then it is best to call a professional plumber to deal with the problem.
Are you currently facing any of the above-mentioned plumbing emergencies at your residence in Mesa or its nearby areas? Contact Mesa Plumbing to have your plumbing problems solved.