When a plumbing emergency happens, there are some steps to take to mitigate the damage before calling in the professionals.
Plumbing emergencies are a huge problem. They can strike at any time, and they can be as small as a clogged drain or as serious as a burst pipe. No matter what the emergency, there are some important steps to take to try to mitigate the damage and keep everything under control while you either repair it or call in a professional to have it fixed so you can get back to your life.
Shut Off the Water
If water is pouring out into your home, it’s time to shut it off. Locate the shut-off valve for the leaking appliance or fixture and turn it so it blocks the flow of water. If you can’t find the valve, or it doesn’t stop the leak, head out to your water meter and turn off the water to the house. It’s not convenient, but it will mitigate any further damage until you can get the root problem fixed.
Turn Off Your Water Heater
If you shut off the water to the house, also make sure to turn off the water heater. This unit is vulnerable to serious damage if it’s left running while no water is going through it, which would just cause more trouble for you while you’re already dealing with an emergency.
Assess the Damage
It’s time to clean up as much as possible and assess how bad the damage is. Check thoroughly for serious water damage and strange smells, and try to locate the source of the leak if you haven’t already. Assess whether this is a small issue that can be easily remedied, or if you’ll need professional help to manage the problem and ensure the best result.
Call the Water Company
In some cases, plumbing emergencies happen due to problems in the main water line or sewer main, which are not your responsibility. If you suspect this could be the case, call the water company and request an investigation into the issue so you can determine what caused the leak and what can be done about it.
Call a Professional Plumber
If that doesn’t work or turns up nothing substantial, it’s time to call in a professional plumber. They will get to the bottom of your issue, explain what happened if you’re not sure, and get it repaired quickly so you can get back to your life before the leak.
Call Mahon Plumbing Today
If you still have more questions regarding your plumbing, we here at Mahon Plumbing are here to help. We have been serving the wider Baltimore area since 1994, so we have 25 years of experience to back up our fantastic service! Call us at our Baltimore location at 410-766-8566 or our Pasadena location at 410-636-7944. Be sure to keep up with us on social media by following us on Facebook or Twitter.