Whether it’s a burst pipe, a backed-up drain, a flooded basement, or an overflowing septic system, plumbing mishaps rarely occur at convenient moments. Knowing how to handle these situations makes a substantial difference in minimizing damage as well as keeping personal stress levels down. Here’s what you need to know about dealing with household plumbing emergencies with confidence.
Assess the Situation
Although it’s natural to panic when water is freely gushing as the result of a broken pipe, it’s essential to be able to perform a calm assessment. Keeping calm lets you determine the cause and severity of the situation and move forward on the best course of action.
Identify the Source of the Problem
The first step in successfully dealing with a plumbing emergency is to determine the source of the problem. Check to see if the issue is isolated, such as one faucet or a specific drain rather than a whole-system catastrophe. A single problem is likely to be a simple fixture issue, while multiple issues are very likely due to a larger problem. A larger problem will require a more time-consuming and complicated solution.
Shut Off the Water Supply
After you’ve pinpointed the source, the next step is to shut off the water supply to prevent further flooding and reduce the damage.
Firstly, turn off localized valves. If the problem is specific to one area, such as your sink or toilet, look for a small valve under or behind the fixture and turn it to the off position.
Next, shut off the main valve if necessary. If flooding is severe or if you’re not sure of the source, turn off your home’s main water valve. This is typically found near the area where the water line enters your home. Common locations for main water valves include crawl spaces, basements, under the kitchen sink, somewhere near the water heater, or on an exterior wall.
Evaluate Water Levels and Possible Damage
If your home is being flooded due to broken pipes or another plumbing mishap, the first thing you need to do is to check to see if there’s an immediate threat to valuable items and property. Quickly move electronics, furnishings, and anything else that might be damaged by water to higher ground where it’s safe.
Prevent Further Damage
Water quickly soaks into walls, flooring, furniture, and other areas, which leads the structural damage as well as the development of mold and mildew colonies. Quick action helps minimize the impact of household flooding.
Clear out any standing water. Use towels or mops to soak up as much standing water as possible. If you have a wet-dry vacuum, use it to clear a path for the water to drain out. Then set up fans and dehumidifiers. Fans circulate the air and dehumidifiers promote quicker drying. The faster the affected area dries, the less chance of long-term water damage or mold and mildew growth.
Inspect for Electrical Hazards
Any time water is involved, safety should be your number one priority — particularly if electricity is also part of the picture. Turn off power to the specific area where water seems likely to mingle with electricity. With severe flooding, turn off water to the entire house, and keep in mind that it’s best to err on the side of caution rather than to risk electrocution.
Turn off the electricity if you need to. If water is near outlets, electrical appliances, or your household breaker box, turn off power to that area or the entire house. You should also unplug electronics. If water is minor but is still too close to electronics for comfort, unplug all items in the area and move them to a dry space. Electrical damage sometimes occurs even when water hasn’t reached the outlet.
Identify Temporary Solutions
Once you’ve done what you can to minimize the potential for immediate damage, determine if there are any temporary fixes available to keep the issue in a holding pattern until a professional plumber arrives on the scene.
For minor leaks that you can easily reach, duct tape may be able to hold it for a short period of time until a permanent solution is found. Placing a bucket under a leaking sink or other fixture helps prevent water from spreading. Be sure to empty the container on a regular basis until help arrives on the scene. In addition, you can use a plunger or drain snake on clogs to clear things up temporarily. Avoid commercial drain cleaners because they contain harsh chemicals that can damage pipes, making the problem worse in the long term.
Call a Professional Plumber
After you’ve done what damage control you can and taken steps to make the affected area or areas safe, it’s time to call in the professionals. Although it may be tempting to go with a temporary fix and hope the problem goes away, successfully resolving plumbing emergencies requires expert involvement. Kicking the can down the road will likely result in more complex and costly situations in the future.
When talking to your local plumber, explain the issue in detail, including the steps you’ve already taken to control the damage. They need this information to be properly prepared for your service call.
Not all plumbing issues can be addressed during normal business hours, so be sure to ask about emergency services if the situation is urgent. Many plumbing companies provide after-hour services for severe cases.
Document the Damage
Documenting any damage caused by the incident will come in handy when it comes time to file an insurance claim. Proper records help ensure you receive relevant compensation and streamline the sometimes bumpy insurance process.
As soon as possible, photograph all affected areas and any visible damage, no matter how small. Then, write a summary of the incident. A brief written summary detailing the steps you took will keep your memory fresh and may be invaluable for insurance purposes.
Follow Up on Repairs and Prevention
Once the immediate crisis has been successfully addressed, resolve any lingering issues to circumvent future problems. Schedule a thorough professional inspection of your plumbing system to identify any other potential problems. Plumbers might uncover minor issues that could turn into your next big emergency if left untreated. You should also schedule routine maintenance. Regular plumbing maintenance provides a proactive way to catch minor leaks, clogs, and other issues before they balloon into emergencies. Our plumbing professionals can recommend a maintenance schedule designed for the type and size of your system.
Contact Our Team for More Information
Now in our third generation, KC Home Services remains the top choice of residents of Santa Rosa and other Sonoma County communities. Along with expert plumbing services, we’re also here for your HVAC needs. Ask about our financing options!
Reach out today to learn more about our emergency services, to schedule an appointment, or to request a quote.
