What To Do In A Plumbing Emergency

A plumbing emergency can catch you off guard. It's important to know what to do in case and emergency happens in your home. Aside from calling in a professional plumber, there are ways to address problems before they arrive. Here are a few tips in handling the situation.

When your pipes bust, the very first think you need to do it turn off your water lines. This will prevent against water damage in your home by preventing more water spilling into whatever room the burst occurred in. Second, regardless of how extensive the leak is, it is always important to call a plumber. If you have one compromise in your plumbing system, you probably have several. Before attending to the problem, have a plumber come to your house as soon as possible. Most companies offer 24/7 emergency service lines for such emergencies, but there are a few things you can handle before they arrive.

With the right tools, you can start repairing your plumbing right away or at least prevent additional damage before the plumber arrives. Thread tape or a pipe joint can help temporarily fix a leak in a pipe. You can also purchase seal rings for such an emergency and simply affix them to compromises in the pipe. You will have to make sure you purchase the right size or a variety of sizes so you effectively solve problems that arise. These temporary seals can last for a while but make sure you get a plumber in to check for extensive plumbing damage and quote replacement costs.

For sewerage blockages, these can be a little more difficult to deal with. There are, however, are a couple of solutions you can use to resolve a blockage problem. Hand pumps, such as a plunger, can force the blockage down in the case of a minor problem. The buildup of air forces whatever is blocking the pipes to break up or conform to the shape of the pipe, allowing you to successfully clear the pipe. You can also access blockages that might have developed in joints in your plumbing system by taking apart the pipes. Make sure that if you use this method that you tighten everything securely afterwards to avoid leaks.

Chemical drainers are also used in cases of slight emergency but are often best used as a maintenance tool and not an avenue for emergency help. For major problems, it may actually exacerbate the problem by breaking up the blockage and creating an even more extensive back up into your bathroom or kitchen. For extensive back ups that push raw sewerage into your home, call a plumber immediately. The health effects of dealing with this yourself put you at a great risk. Make sure in these cases to leave it to the professionals.

The best way to prevent emergencies is through regular maintenance. However, with these tips, you will be fully prepared in case of emergency.