Failing to act quickly during a plumbing emergency can lead to significant water damage to your home. When this unfortunate circumstance occurs, it is definitely not time to panic. Familiarizing yourself with the proper procedures during a plumbing mishap can limit the damage as well as the cleanup. The following information contains valuable steps you should take immediately during common plumbing malfunctions.
Turn Off the Water Main
The first order of business during a plumbing emergency is to turn off the main water shut-off valve. If you do not know where your home’s main water shut-off valve is located, now would be a good time to find it before a plumbing emergency occurs. There are several places where you may find the main shut-off valve. The first would apply to municipal customers who receive their water from the city or county. Often, the main shut-off valve is located near or inside of the water meter box. It is common for the water meter box to be located near the street. Other homes may incorporate an additional shut-off valve somewhere on the homes exterior or near the water heater. In addition, toilets, faucets, washing machines, refrigerators and dishwashers should all have an additional, dedicated shut-off valve located near the fixture or appliance.
Dry the Area
To limit the potential of water damage, you should soak up any standing water as soon as possible. A wet/dry vacuum will make quick work of water removal. If you do not have a wet or dry vacuum available, a sponge is the next best thing. After removing the bulk of the water, dry the area further using some towels or rags. The airflow from a fan directed at the wet area will also help to speed up drying time.
Assess the Situation
Try to determine the cause of the problem before calling a professional plumber. Any information that you can provide will help them to determine what is needed to make the repairs. This will speed up the repair time and in turn, help to restore your service sooner.
Call a Plumber
The severity of your plumbing emergency will determine whether you need a plumber immediately or if you can schedule an appointment for the next day. Keep in mind that plumbing rates increase significantly during non-business hours. Although most plumbers will not quote a job without first seeing it, they may be able to give you a general estimate for common repairs over the phone.
For answers to your questions, contact The Pink Plumber today.
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