A functional plumbing system is something that most people take for granted. The average person flushes a toilet in their home or washes their hands in the sink multiple times a day. If certain plumbing components aren’t working, performing these seemingly mundane tasks can become difficult.
The older your home gets, the more plumbing repair problems you will encounter. In some cases, the plumbing repair issues you face can cause lots of damage if they aren’t fixed quickly. Dealing with these plumbing emergencies the right way can help you limit the damage done to your home. When faced with a plumbing emergency, you need to consider the helpful tips below.
Learn What Constitutes a Plumbing Emergency
You need to realize that plumbing emergencies can come in several forms. Below are some of the most common situations that are classified as plumbing emergencies.
Dealing With Flooding
Any plumbing issue that causes serious flooding will be classified as a plumbing emergency. If you come home to find your bathroom or kitchen floor covered in water, chances are a ruptured plumbing pipe is to blame. The faster you can get this problem diagnosed and fixed, the easier it will be to limit the damage this plumbing emergency causes.
Septic System Leaks
Without a functional septic tank, you will be unable to dispose of the wastewater in your drains. If there are puddles of water on your lawn or all the drains in your home are full, you are seeing the signs of a septic system problem. Working with plumbing professionals is the only way to ensure that this type of problem is diagnosed and fixed quickly.
Water Heater Leaks
Any time you do things like take a shower or run your washing machine, your water heater will have to spring into action. As time goes by, your water heater tank will start to rust from the inside out. If these rust issues are ignored, it is only a matter of time before the water heater tank starts to leak. By inspecting your water heater regularly, you can stay one step ahead of this common plumbing emergency.
Steps to Take When Confronted With a Plumbing Emergency
If you come home and find puddles of water on your floor or overflowing drains, you need to take action to mitigate the risks posed by these problems. Taking the steps mentioned below can help you limit the damage caused by plumbing emergencies.
Start by Shutting Off the Water
When confronted with a significant plumbing leak, the first thing you need to focus on is shutting off your water. The average home is equipped with a main water shut-off valve. Using this valve will help you stop the flow of water coming into your home.
Find the Source of Your Problem
Once you have stopped the flow of water coming into your home, you need to try to pinpoint the source of the problem. In some cases, you will need the help of a plumber to identify where the leak is coming from. If the leak is coming from a pipe inside your wall or under your home, only a plumber can find and fix it. The longer you wait to call in a plumber to help you address your emergency, the harder it will be to limit the damage to your home.
Recognize Plumbing Emergency Warning Signs
Generally, you will be presented with a number of warning signs when plumbing repair issues are present in your home. Things like lower-than-normal water pressure and clogged drains are signs that your plumbing system is compromised. As soon as these problems are discovered, you need to contact a knowledgeable plumber to fix them.