Minimize Damage in a Plumbing Emergency
A plumbing emergency can come from a variety of places in your home. An overflowing toilet, a stopped-up drain, burst or leaking pipes, or a water heater issue can all bring on different levels of water emergencies. No doubt along with the cost to fixing these issues, you’ll be worried about the cost of repairing water damage as well.
We’re all for keeping damages and costs as low as possible, and sometimes all it takes to minimize damage is to know what to do when an emergency occurs.
Call Your Plumber
The first thing to do is find a plumber to come assess and fix the problem as soon as possible. This is where services like 24/7 plumbing and same-day service become very necessary.
Be sure to explain all aspects of what is happening so that the plumber can be ready to jump into the problem as soon as they arrive. While you wait for the arrival, here is a list of other things you can do to prevent further water damage.
Shut Off the Water
Whatever is causing the problem, try shutting off the water to that area by turning the valve clockwise. Smaller things like a sink or overflowing toilet typically have water valves close by. For really large problems you may need to shut off the main valve.
Check Other Plumbing Areas
If you are shutting off water, it can be necessary to turn off your water heater also. Doing this can prevent damage to the unit. Water heaters should be shut off after the main valve and gas (if you have a gas heater).
It can also be helpful in a plumbing backup situation to empty water areas outside your home. This can be done by doing things like turning on outside hoses or spigots to allow any extra water to come out.
Take Care of Small Leaks
One of the go-to ways to minimize damage is to take care of what you can. While not permanent solutions, these things can often help keep things dry while waiting for a plumber to come.
Try fixing small things with plumbers tape, wrapping areas with towels or putting buckets to catch leaks. If something seems stopped up, you can also try using a plunger to help.
As with all plumbing or other HVAC topics, if you have questions or do not feel comfortable doing any of these suggestions, we always say safety first. Do what you feel comfortable with, then wait for a Silver State plumber to arrive. And always feel free to call us with any questions.
Silver State Refrigeration, HVAC & Plumbing
4535 Copper Sage Street Las Vegas, NV 89115
(702) 433-5008
