If you've ever experienced a plumbing emergency, then you know how terrifying it can be. Unless you have a deep understanding of your home's plumbing system, you might feel helpless. Don't panic! Read David Gray's pointers that can help you prepare for a potential plumbing emergency:
Shut Off the Water
First and foremost, in any plumbing emergency - large or small - your first priority should be to shut off the water. In the bathroom, this can be as simple as reaching behind the toilet or under the sink and turning the valve swiftly to the right. If the water flow doesn't stop or you're experiencing intense flooding, you'll have to cut the main supply to your home. Mere minutes can make a huge difference in terms of water damage, so make sure you know where your main water shutoff valve is before you need it.
The main valve is often located outside your home or in your garage, but it may be placed differently in older homes. The handle will usually be painted brightly, and most require one hard clockwise turn to fully cut the supply.
Don't Forget Your Water Heater
Another important step in a plumbing emergency is to shut off your water heater. Doing so will help you avoid damaging the heater from energy buildup. If left unattended during a major plumbing event, the heater can overheat or even burst. Be aware of where your home's water heater is located and how to shut it down. If you have a gas water heater, be sure to turn off the gas supply as soon as possible - and before cutting power to the heater itself.
Open Up Spigots
One step many homeowners tend to skip when dealing with a plumbing problem happens after the main water supply has been shut off. You can help avoid potential damage from a plumbing emergency by removing any leftover water that is sitting in your pipes - allowing it to flow out outside rather than having it leak back into your home. Do this by heading outside and turning on any spigots or hoses.
Tackle Smaller Leaks Now
Tiny leaks often turn into big leaks - or broken pipes - at a moment's notice. If you notice any odd leaking or dripping, address it immediately. Keep plumber's tape under your sink in your bathroom to cover and seal small leaks before they can be professionally addressed. You may also want to keep a few rags or towels in case you have to quickly "stuff" a leak before a plumber arrives. Your plumber can assess your leak and take proactive steps to avoid further damage, so don't hesitate to call a professional as soon as you notice a problem.
Finally, you should consider posting your plumber's number on your refrigerator or saving their number in your contacts just in case. With a fleet dozens of plumbing crews available at all hours, David Gray can save the day in an emergency at home or at your office. Call (904) 605-8190 for more information.