If you’re a homeowner, it’s almost inevitable that you’ll have plumbing problems at some point. They can seem overwhelming but knowing they’re common and can be treated by a good residential plumbing service should help ease your mind.
Simple projects and problems can be solved via the DIY route. This includes things like dripping faucets and clogged toilets but not more serious problems like water heater leaks. Plumbing services are well worth the cost and are the route to go in the majority of cases.
If you notice leaking, water damage to your home, or another plumbing problem, remain calm. Follow the steps outlined below and you’ll be well on your way to fixing the issue.
Steps to Take in a Plumbing Emergency
When things start going wrong with your plumbing, it’s pretty easy to panic. Even though the situation might seem stressful, it’s important to take a moment to stop and breathe deeply. Calm your nerves and know that following a few simple steps can help minimize the damage to your home.
Remember that you don’t have to do this alone. It’s best to call a plumber early in the process. The more severe the problem is the sooner you should call your plumber. Store the company’s number in an easy-to-access location so you don’t have to spend time finding it during an emergency.
Step One: Turn Off Your Water
The first thing to do is shut off the water. This will prevent the leak from getting worse, eating up more money, and causing damage to your property. For small things like toilets, you can shut off just the supply to that one appliance. For bigger problems or leaks where the source isn’t known, you’ll need to shut off the main water that runs to your home.
Step Two: Check and Protect Your Water Heater
If there’s a major plumbing problem that involves water seeping onto your floors, it’s wise to turn off your water heater so it doesn’t get damaged. After you’ve closed off the water supply, shut off the unit. This applies to both electric and gas water heaters.
Step Three: Correct Simple Leaks
Fixing small leaks, yourself isn’t a difficult task. Plumber’s tape can be used to patch up small holes and make them watertight. Another step you can take to prevent water damage from occurring is to put buckets or pans beneath leaks to catch the water. Once the plumbers arrive, you can direct them to the leaks.
Step Four: Open Drains and Spigots
Even after the water has been shut off to your home, some will still rest in your pipes. This can cause water damage if it continues to leak out into the home. You can drain this excess water by turning on any spigots you have outside. Don’t put any chemicals down your drains to loosen a clog. This can cause more damage.
Step Five: Call for Emergency Plumbing Services
You must get help from an experienced professional during a plumbing emergency. Calling early can help you tackle the situation in the safest way possible. Listen carefully to any instructions your plumber provides you with. They’ll help guide you and tell you whether this is a job you can tackle on your own or if it’s truly an emergency.
The Most Common Plumbing Emergencies
Every plumbing emergency requires a different response. By knowing ahead of time the most common plumbing troubles, you can determine how much of an issue a problem is and what steps you need to take.
When in doubt, know that no two situations are the same. The best route to go typically involves contacting a plumber and asking for their advice and direction.
Leaking Faucets
Leaks are some of the most common plumbing emergencies, and they’re the most common reason that calls are placed to plumbers. When it comes to leaking faucets and fixtures, the good news is it’s probably not an emergency.
You should turn off the faucets’ valve by hand only. Many people instinctively grab a wrench to get the job done, but this can turn a small leak into a major disaster. If you can’t get the valve shut off by hand, it’s a good idea to turn off the water in your home.
This is an okay project to do yourself as long as you’re familiar with the steps you need to take. If you feel totally out of your element, it’s better to call for assistance.
Leaking Pipes
There’s not much you can do about this problem. If there’s an obvious leak, shut off the water to your home and wait for the plumbers to arrive. Don’t try any DIY fixes you read about on the internet. Most of them do little good, and some of them can damage your plumbing system further.
Leaking Hot Water Heater
Another area that is known to leak is your water heater. These leaks can be severe and quickly cause damage to your home. Check the drip pan beneath the machine. If it has water sitting in it, the leak is coming from the water heater. Shut off the water line leading to the machine, turn the unit off, and call a plumber.
Scalding Water
Having hot water instantly is one of the greatest things about modern living. Water that scalds the skin is a hazard, though, and can lead to severe burns. If the water heater temperature settings haven’t been fiddled with, there’s probably something wrong with the water heater itself. Turn off the unit before calling a plumber and let the hot water cool.
Clogged Toilets and Drains
Clogs are a very common plumbing issue. Sometimes these come in the form of drain clogs. The kitchen sink is the most common culprit, but any drain in your home can become clogged. If your drains are running slowly or not at all, it’s time to call a plumber.
Toilets are another common area to get clogged. A minor clog can be fixed yourself with a plunger. If the clog is more serious, however, and plunging seems to have no effect, it’s best to call in the pros so you don’t get sewage all over or make the clog worse.
Sewage Smells
Smelling sewer in your home is always a cause for concern. If you smell this while running water or if there’s a visible leak that smells of sewage, call a plumber right away. This smell is a red flag that there’s a serious problem somewhere in your septic system. Exposing yourself to sewage also means exposing yourself to some nasty bacteria that can harm your health, so never attempt to fix this kind of problem on your own. This task is one for the pros.
Working With Christian Brothers Air Conditioning Plumbing Electrical
Have you ever been the victim of a plumbing emergency? We’d like to know! Christian Brothers Air Conditioning Plumbing Electrical serves Phoenix, AZ, and the surrounding area. We offer a full range of plumbing services, and our team is available for all your heating, cooling, electrical, and indoor air quality needs.
Have a question or want to book an appointment? Give us a call today!
