Plumbing emergencies are a homeowner's worst nightmare. They always seem to happen at the most inconvenient times - during a dinner party, in the middle of the night, or right before a long-awaited holiday. While it's essential to call in the professionals for most plumbing issues, there are some things you can do in the meantime to minimize the damage. In this post by Providence Plumbing, we will share some practical tips on what you should do before your trusted plumber arrives. Remember, our advice doesn't substitute for a professional plumber's help, but it can reduce the risks and damages involved.
Identify the problem
The first course of action in a plumbing emergency is to identify where the problem lies. Is it a leaky faucet, a clogged drain, or a damaged water heater? Knowing the issue will not only help your plumber understand what they may be walking into but also guide you through your next steps.
Turn Off the Water Source
Having located the problem, it's crucial to cut off the source of the water. If the situation is a leak or burst pipe, you should turn off the main water valve to your house as quickly as you can. This action will prevent your home from further water damages, whether or not the issue is localized.
As stated on our website, Providence Plumbing ensures that "...our team can teach you how to turn off individual water sources or your entire home’s water supply if necessary."
Drain the Pipes
Once the main water valve is off, it's a good idea to drain the pipes. To do this, simply turn on the cold water on all of your sinks and flush every toilet in your home once. This action will help drain the water remaining in your pipes, reducing the chances of freezing or leaking.
Address Small Leaks
While waiting for the professional plumber, if small leaks are present, try to mitigate the problem. Using Teflon tape, plumber's tape, or even a bucket or towels, try to stem the flow. Remember to inform your plumber about these leaks as they will need to be properly repaired.
Stay Calm and Document
In the heat of a plumbing emergency, it can be easy to panic. However, panicking won’t solve the problem. There's, honestly, little you can do until a professional arrives. What you can do is take this time to document the issue for insurance purposes, if necessary.
Contact Providence Plumbing
Your next step, of course, is to get professional help. Here at Providence Plumbing, we provide emergency service 24/7 to help resolve any issue promptly. Retrofitting older homes to meet new system requirements or troubleshooting common issues like leaks or clogs, our team is trained to tackle any challenge.
As per our commitment, "Providing exceptional service to our customers is a core value at Providence Plumbing, and we strive to always leave our customers 100% satisfied."
To wrap it up, your safety is paramount, so while you can do these things to help minimize damage, never put yourself in danger trying to fix what may seem to be a minor issue. Water damage can put your home and belongings at risk, so quickly taking these steps at the first sign of a plumbing issue will pay off.
Remember, when it comes to all things plumbing, Providence Plumbing is your trusted partner. Our professional team is always ready to step in and take over, ensuring a speedy recovery from any plumbing disaster that strikes.
Stay safe, act quickly, and always call in the professionals when a plumbing emergency arises, and remember, Providence Plumbing is there for you in any emergency - any time, any day. Let us provide you with our exceptional service that will leave you 100% satisfied.