Plumbing Emergency: What is it?
Have you ever had that uncomfortable moment when you try to flush the toilet but the water just fills up and spills all over your bathroom floor? If you have gone through that, you know how stressful plumbing problems can be. But not everything is a plumbing emergency. Somethings you can check out beforehand and then decide if you will call for help. But, if you decide that it is an emergency, before calling your favorite plumber (like Local Service Plumbing), here are 6 tips to have in mind while help arrives!
Turn off your bathroom’s water supply
If that pesky toilet keeps overflowing, before it becomes a messy nightmare in your bathroom, try turning off your toilet’s (or bathroom’s) water supply. This can help things get even worse before the plumber takes a look at the problem and solves it.
How to: Locate the water supply valve that is located on the wall behind the toilet and turn the valve counterclockwise to shut it off. After the plumber has solved the problem, they will turn the water back on, don’t worry.
Shut off the main water supply
Have your pipes ever just burst open out of nowhere? If so, this can be even more stressful than an overflowing toilet! When this happens, the best thing to do before your whole house is drowned in water is to shut off the main water supply. This will stop the water from flowing into your house like the red sea and prevent your walls and furniture from growing unhealthy mold. This is a true plumbing emergency!
How to: Usually you will find this valve in a basement, typically near the front foundation wall. The main water may come through the concrete floor or the wall. The valve is typically within three to five feet of where the main water enters. Turn the valve to its “off” side or counterclockwise. After the plumber has left, you may turn it on again.
Be aware of your sump pump always
When the rainy season arrives, many houses can be in danger if their sump pump isn’t working as it should. What do sump pumps do? They are responsible for removing that excess of water that has entered your basement or your home. They play a vital role in helping your house from flooding and causing some serious damage. So, how can I be aware of it’s working correctly or not?
How to: Check out your basement or crawlspace for water signs or humidity. Also, check out if it’s making any strange noises or vibration, some irregular cycling or it runs continuously and never shuts off. That means something is wrong and that you need to call your plumbers ASAP.
Always check your water heater
Ever hopped in the shower and felt like the water was so hot that your skin was about to peel off? Or maybe so cold that it was like you were taking a shower in Antarctica? This means your water heater is not okay and that it needs some help. But before this happens, something you can do is give it a weekly or monthly check.
How to: Notice if your water heater is dripping or bubbling. This means there can be a leak in the main tank. Now, if it makes a loud clanking or gurgling noise, this means that mineral deposits have gathered within the tank. Also, see if the water has a strange color or odor. If you see or hear any of these things, call your plumber to receive a proper diagnosis before it becomes a plumbing emergency!
Never ignore a leaky pipe!
Drip, drop. Nothing is as annoying as a leaky pipe or shower. Not only is the noise of hearing it leak annoying, but the water bill you will receive won’t be pretty either. Do you know how much water your home can waste due to a leaky pipe? 90 gallons each day! That’s almost $2 of water each day that pipe keeps on drip dropping! But not only does fixing it help you with your water bills, it can help prevent damage to your home, such as furniture, tiles, and also a short circuit if it touched an electrical outlet.
How to: Check out any loose tile, ceiling stains, warped hardwood floor, discolored paint or wallpaper, and musty odors. Also, check out if your washing machine is dripping or if there’s water pooling around it. This can mean a hose leak and it can spread quickly, damaging the property and leading to insurance claims. Take care of this ASAP! It can become costly over time and even increase your utility costs.
Be careful what you flush down the toilet!
If you enter your bathroom and smell something funky, don’t blame the person that was in before! Sometimes it can be your sewer lines clogged or blocked up and this can cause some back up into your home. Also, you may notice drain clogs, water pooling around the basement floor drains, and gurgling sounds coming from plumbing fixtures. You can always prevent this with some helpful tips.
How to: Avoid flushing wipes, feminine hygiene products, and paper towels. These items are the most common to block that sewer line. Sometimes, tree roots can grow through cracks in the main sewer line and also create blockages over the years. Something most people are doing now is using all-natural or vegan detergent and clothes softener. Most of these products have heavy chemicals that can stick to the walls of main sewer lines and clog them over time. All-natural products will dissolve easier and avoid these blockages.