Plumbing emergencies can happen when you least expect them. When plumbing issues arise, knowing how to handle them will help make the situation less stressful, giving you the control to protect your home while you wait for a plumber to arrive.
In this blog, our experts at Vredevoogd cover what you need to know so that you can handle your next plumbing emergency like a pro.
Common Plumbing Emergencies
The first step to knowing how to handle a plumbing emergency is to know what an emergency looks like. Situations can vary, but common plumbing emergencies can include:
- Frozen or burst pipes
- Leaking pipes
- Leaking water heater
- Sewage backup
- Overflowing toilets
Immediate Steps to Take
Plumbing emergencies can cause you to panic, but staying calm will help you react quickly and efficiently to minimize damage. Here are immediate steps you should take when a plumbing issue arises:
Shut Off the Water Supply
After you’ve recognized you have a plumbing emergency on your hands, the first thing you should do is turn off your home’s water supply. For toilet issues, you can just turn the valve located at the base or behind the toilet. For larger issues like flooding, turn off the main water valve in your home. Most valves turn clockwise to shut off the water supply.
Turn Off Your Water Heater
The next step you should take is to turn off your water heater. This will help you avoid damage to the water heater and prevent heat from building up in the unit. If you do not turn off your water heater, there is an increased risk of your water heater overheating or leaking. If your water heater is gas-powered, be sure to turn off the gas supply before the water supply.
Tackle Small Leaks
Small leaks might not seem like an emergency, but they can create bigger issues if left alone. Use plumbers’ tape if you have it, or use towels, rags, and buckets to minimize the water damage. Make a note of these leaks and tell your plumber as soon as they arrive. This will help them gauge the situation and respond to your issues in the safest order.
Open Drains & Spigots
After you’ve turned off your water supply, there will still be water in your pipes. Open drains and spigots to help move this water out of your pipes and away from your home. If you’re dealing with a clog or a backup, avoid using chemicals and instead try using a plunger to loosen or remove the clog while you wait for a plumber.
Call A Plumber
DIY projects might be tempting, but it’s always best to call a professional. At Vredevoogd, our plumbers have the tools, training, and expertise needed to help with any plumbing issue. Follow the steps above to minimize any damage until one of our plumbers can arrive during business hours.
Call a Professional Plumber for Repairs
For over 60 years, Vredevoogd has been West and Mid Michigan’s local one-stop shop for superior home services. We offer comprehensive plumbing repair solutions to help homeowners in the event of a plumbing problem. Our expert plumbers will respond as soon as possible to accurately diagnose the issue and recommend the best fix. While the steps above can help mitigate damage when disaster strikes, it’s always best to call the plumbers at Vredevoogd for more extensive and permanent repairs.
When you need plumbing repairs, go with Vredevoogd! Contact us today for plumbing services in West and Mid Michigan.
