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Emergency plumbing issues are never a pleasant experience, but once you have turned over the problem to a qualified plumber, you can rest assured that the problem will be repaired. However, there are things you can do during a plumbing emergency before the plumber arrives. Here are three tips for actions you can take to minimize the plumbing and water damage after you’ve called the plumber.
Tip One: Turn Off the Water Main
For plumbing problems inside the house where water is leaking, or sometimes even spewing out of a pipe or other location, the first thing you should do is locate the main water shut off to the residence. If you live in a house, the main water shut off valve is usually located in the ground somewhere near the street. Some homes also have a shut off valve where the water from the city or municipality enters the house. For those in apartments or condos, there may be a centralized location where the water shut off is located and calling the property manager is usually the right thing to do. No matter where the shut off is located, turn it off as quickly as possible if water is leaking into the residence. This will help stop any damage and save on your water bill as well.
Tip Two: Remove the Water
Removing the water as quickly as possible will help minimize any damage it may be doing. While waiting for the plumber to arrive, it is a good idea to start removing any visible water. However, if the source of the water is not immediately clear, leave the water alone so that the plumber can more easily identify where it is coming from. If you can see where the problem is though, start to remove the water. This can sometimes be done with towels if the amount of water is minimal. For larger puddles sometimes a shop vacuum will work, or even a broom to push the water out of the residence through a door.
If you have a water problem, it’s best to call a plumber before the problem gets too big. Fixing small leaks is much preferable to repairing major problems, and much less expensive. However, no matter how big or small the plumbing issue is, be sure to call a professional plumber as soon as possible and follow these two tips while you are waiting for the plumber to arrive. It will help minimize damage to your property.