Keeping calm and knowing what to do in the moment when a plumbing emergency happens can save you from a lot of potential damage.
Nobody wants to think about having to deal with a plumbing emergencies, but the truth is they do happen and it is literally never at a convenient time. Panic is the normal and common response to the sight of gallons upon gallons of water rushing out of a broken appliance or busted pipe. Keeping calm and knowing what to do in the moment when a plumbing emergency happens can save you from a lot of potential damage and headache.
Turn Off The Water
Most plumbing emergencies involve a lot of water, and if you’re lucky it is fresh, clean water, not sewage that overflowing. In the case that it is fresh, the first step is to turn of the source of the water and stop more from coming out. This is easier said than done, but it doesn’t have to be too difficult if you know what you’re doing. That means, however, that before disaster strikes, you need to educate yourself on the ways you can turn off the water. The main water valve for the whole home will be near the foundation usually, often in the basement or on the outside of the home. Once you know where it is, it is a good idea to clearly mark it with bright paint or a plastic flag. Additionally, nearly every appliance will have an individual shut off valve. These are usually under or behind the appliance, for instance the valve for a faucet is usually under the sink and the one for a toilet is on the back of the toilet. Make sure that everyone in the home knows where these shutoff valves are in case of emergency.
Clear The Area
In most cases, once the water is off you can sop up (or mop up) any sitting water and get as much moisture as possible out of the space. If the water is sewage, you’re better off leaving clean-up to the professionals. Cleaning as best you can may help limit the amount of water damage you have to deal with. Having a wet-vac on hand would also make this job easier. Finally, remove any appliances or furniture that are in the area so they don’t get damaged by the moisture.
Call A Professional
For the most part, plumbing repairs are not DIY jobs. Call the professionals when you have an issue. It is a good idea to have an emergency plumber in your phonebook so that you don’t have to search the internet for someone reliable in a moment of panic. There are plenty of trustworthy plumbers who offer 24/7 emergency service.
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.