Are you aware of how detrimental water damage from a plumbing emergency can be to your home? Although plumbing emergencies usually happen when we least expect them, we want to stress the importance of preparing beforehand and knowing what to do should a situation present itself. Proactively acting and reacting accordingly is key to minimizing water damage. So, your team at Westerville Plumbing & Drain has gathered the most helpful hints and tips to make sure that, should a plumbing emergency arise in your residence, you’ll know precisely what steps to take.
What Are Some Things You Can Do to Prepare for a Plumbing Emergency Before It Happens?
- In the event of a plumbing emergency, it is essential for all members of your family who are of age to understand where the main water shut-off valve is located and how to use it correctly.
- Furthermore, having a list of emergency contact numbers for your home insurance provider and local plumbing service in an easily accessible area is invaluable. Taking the extra step of making sure it’s in an easily retrievable place will save you time and stress. Even if it doesn’t seem necessary now, doing so will prove beneficial when facing unforeseen circumstances.
- To remain one step ahead, make sure to keep all the necessary cleaning supplies within arm’s reach! You never know when those old towels, rags, or buckets will come in handy. To ensure maximum efficiency, designating a specific area where these items can be stored is recommended so they are always easy to locate and retrieve.
What Are Some Things You Should Do After a Plumbing Emergency Happens?
- In the face of adversity, don’t let panic be your first response. Instead, take a moment to breathe deeply and assess the issue! Relaxing will help clear your mind so that you can think clearly before taking action.
- In the event of a plumbing emergency, your initial action should be to cease water from flowing. Of course, this only applies if it is applicable to your particular plumbing emergency. So, whether it’s an overflowing faucet or flooding, you can turn off the direct water supply by locating and turning off the closest shutoff valve. If that isn’t possible, then you can turn off the main source of running water for your entire house. Just bear in mind, this will result in no water throughout your home at all.
- In the face of flooding or standing water, safety must be prioritized. To protect yourself and your home, immediately unplug any affected appliances that have been submerged in the water and switch off your circuit breaker if electrical outlets were exposed to it.
- It is not advisable to attempt any plumbing repairs unless you are a certified plumber. So, don’t waste any time calling a service professional to come to fix your issue.
- In the meantime, don’t put off starting the cleaning process while waiting for your plumber to arrive! If water is allowed to set and soak for a while, it can do tremendous harm to your walls, floors, and furniture. For this reason, you should act swiftly, soaking up any remaining moisture with old towels, rags, or mops in order to avert additional destruction. By tidying up before the plumber comes over, you’ll also create a clear workspace for them that allows them to estimate more accurately and act quickly on resolving the issue.
Even though preventative maintenance is essential to help avoid plumbing catastrophes, they can still occur. To be ready and handle any plumbing emergency quickly, it’s important to plan ahead. Now, in the event of a plumbing crisis, you will stay calm and cope with the problem in no time! We hope that this guide has given you an idea of what needs to be done when faced with a plumbing disaster.
Westerville Plumbing & Drain is here to ensure you are provided with a reliable and fast service. We offer our services 24/7, 365 days a year. Feel free to contact us at (614) 540-3437, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!