Few things are as distressing as a plumbing emergency. Because plumbing problems can cause extensive and costly damage, it’s important to know how to respond quickly. Often, the cost of cleanup and repair of water damage is much worse than the cost of plumbing services themselves. Taking quick defensive action can protect your home while you wait for a professional to arrive on the scene.
First, Locate Your Shutoff Valves
One of the first things you should do when moving into a new home is locate the main water shutoff valve. If you have an out-of-control flood, backup, or broken pipes in your house’s plumbing system, you want to cut off the water at the source. This will prevent further damage and halt the flooding until a technician can figure out the problem.
Most homes have several shutoff valves worked into the plumbing system. Your job is to shut off the water closest to the problem, rather than the water for your entire property. So, if there’s a problem with the toilet, you can shut off the water to that source. There’s usually one or two valves controlling water going into your washing machine. If you’re unable to locate the water shutoff valve that specifically feeds that appliance, then you can move down to the water main, or shut-off valve within your home.
How can you find this shut-off valve? Well, it is, of course, different for each home. However, here are some hints:
- Look close to your water meter
- It will be at ground level
- Look behind any panels available within your home. Water main valves shouldn’t be behind drywall, or underground. They’re meant to be accessible.
Protect the Water Heater
If you turn off your water, you’ll also want to turn off your water heater in order to protect it from continuing to build up heat. Running the heater without running water can increase the risk of overheating, or even bursting. It also prevents scalding water from coming out of the faucets once you turn the water back on. If you have a gas-powered water heater, turn off the gas first.
Call and Listen
Once you’ve turned off the water, call a plumber and listen carefully to their instructions for dealing with the problem until they arrive. Give a specific report of what’s going on with your system so that they’re equipped with the proper tools when they come.
Prevent Emergencies
Remember, you can prevent plumbing emergencies by performing proper routine maintenance. In-line inspections and regular plumbing evaluations can helps us be aware of damage and deterioration, blockages, and clogs in the pipes before they become emergency-grade issues. Read up on our helpful plumbing tips here to learn more about basic habits in your household that can prevent emergencies.
Here at Electric Rooter, we’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our friendly, experienced technicians can identify and find a solution for your plumbing emergencies, whenever they happen. Call us at 801-803-5660.