Let’s walk through what to do when plumbing disasters strike. This is one of those moments when everything seems to go wrong at once! Whether it’s a pipe bursting at midnight or a toilet that picks the worst possible time to overflow, knowing how to handle these situations can save you a major headache.
(How do you know if your plumbing issue is an emergency?)
While you are awaiting emergency plumbing services, your job is to stay safe and minimize damage to your propery.
The Plumbing Emergency Clean-Up
Clear the Area
You’ll want to clear out the area completely. Move those rugs, push back furniture, and get all those cleaning supplies out from under the sink. Give them plenty of room to work their magic!
Steps to Take Before the Plumber Arrives
Turn Off the Main Water Valve
First, locate the main water shut off valve. It’s usually near your water meter or down in the basement; just turn it clockwise. Having trouble finding it? Don’t worry, your professional plumber can help you locate it. Turning off the water is the best way to prevent further water damage if you have something major like a burst pipe.
Turn Off the Electricity
If the plumbing emergency involves electrical outlets, appliances, or your fuse box, cut the power to that area immediately at your breaker panel. Better safe than sorry!
Open Faucets
Once you’ve got the water off, go around and open all your faucets and flush the toilets. This helps drain out whatever water’s still hanging around in the pipes.
Contain the Leak
While you’re waiting for help to arrive, do your best to contain the mess. Grab some towels, set up buckets under any drips, and if you’re feeling handy, you might try some temporary fixes like plumber’s tape.
Investigate the Cause of the Plumbing Issue
It really helps if you can play detective a bit before the emergency plumber arrives. Has this happened before? Did it start after that big rainstorm? Does it seem to affect multiple fixtures? How old is the plumbing system, and what maintenance has been done on it? These kinds of details can help your plumber figure out what’s going on much faster.
Clean the Toilet
Here’s a thoughtful touch: if the problem isn’t toilet-related, give it a quick clean anyway. Trust me, your plumber will appreciate it! And don’t forget about preventing mold – get some air flowing through there with open windows and fans, and mop up any standing water you can see.
Ventilate the Affected Area
After you’ve dealt with all that water, you need to prevent mold and mildew from making themselves at home. Start by getting rid of any standing water; a mop works great, or if you’ve got a wet/dry vacuum, even better. Open up those windows and get some fans going to keep the air moving. If you happen to have a dehumidifier, now’s the time to put it to work!
And here’s a pro tip: if you’re worried about hidden moisture (you know, the sneaky kind that gets behind walls or under floors), a moisture meter can help you spot trouble areas before they become big problems. Taking these steps now can save you from dealing with mold issues down the road.
Post-Repair Preventive Measures
After everything’s fixed up, it’s worth thinking about how to prevent future disasters. Maybe it’s time to replace those ancient pipes, or perhaps installing some water sensors would give you peace of mind. Your plumber can help you figure out what makes sense for your situation.
Remember, acting fast when plumbing problems hit can save you from some serious damage (and serious stress). The most important things are getting that water shut off, cutting power if needed, and containing the leak until help arrives.
If you’re in the Lakeland, FL area and find yourself in a plumbing pickle, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is here to help with 24/7 emergency plumbing services. Just give us a call to get someone out to help you right away; we’re your punctual plumbers, and we’ll be there when you need us.