Plumbing emergencies can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Whether it’s an overflowing toilet or a burst water pipe spilling water all over the kitchen floor, this situation can quickly get out of hand if you don’t act fast.
The first course of action should always be to call the 24-hour plumber Brisbane locals rely on in emergencies. While your plumber may be doing their best to get to you as fast as possible, securing the situation is essential until they arrive.
Reduce the Severity of Your Crisis
Your plumber may only be a short distance away, or they may be finalizing another job. Either way, water spilling into your home can seriously damage your home, furniture, and flooring. If there are exposed electricity cables, the problem could become much worse. We’ve compiled a list of the top things you should do to secure your property while you wait for the plumber to arrive.
1. Always Turn Off the Water
The very first thing to do in any plumbing emergency is to turn off the water. If you know where the main shut-off valve is, close this to ensure that no water is spilling into your home. If you don’t know where the main shut-off valve is or you can’t reach it, then turn off the water valve closest to the leak.
Shutting the water off immediately reduces the water flowing into the home. Not shutting the water off will also result in a much higher water bill.
Source: seattletimes.com
2. Drain the Pipes if Necessary
Turning the water off may not stop the water flow altogether. There may still be residual water in the pipes which can still flow into your home. Our team recommends draining the pipes.
You can do this by opening all the taps in your home. If the main valve is closed, and the taps are open, they will run dry after a few minutes. Doing this will make it easier for the plumber to immediately start working on the problem. To prevent water wastage, gather this water in a bucket and use it for something else.
3. Where Possible, Clear Standing Water
Depending on the severity of your water leak, you may have water pooling all over your home. Standing water can quickly cause damage to your furniture, floors, and carpets. Water can also seep into the walls and cause bacteria, mold, and mildew to grow.
The emergency plumber doesn’t have to see a kitchen floor filled with water to believe that you’ve had a crisis. That means that you can start clearing out the water while you wait. Use towels, a mop, or even a broom to sweep excessive water outside. A wet and dry vacuum will come in handy to get water out of carpets and furniture as quickly as possible. Open windows and doors to speed up the drying process.
4. Check the Power
Not all plumbing emergencies require you to switch the power off. However, if you have electrical cables lying on the floor that may have gotten wet, it’s a good idea to switch the power off at the main switch. In this instance, you should remove the cable from the room and place it somewhere to dry.
The power will also need to be switched off if water is leaking onto the wall where there’s a power outlet. Check that none of your appliances or their plugs are standing in the water. You may need to have these appliances assessed by a professional electrician before using them again. This is especially the case if you’re not sure how long the appliance has been standing in water.
5. Move Your Furniture Away
Not all water leaks happen in the bathroom or the kitchen. If a pipe has burst elsewhere in the home, it may be necessary to clear furniture away from the leak. This will not only prevent your furniture from getting damaged but will also make it easier for your plumber to reach the area.
In this instance, you’ll want repairs to start as soon as possible to avoid any further damage and also to get back to running your household as normal. The amount of work the plumber needs to do will influence the eventual estimate. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to move furniture and items obscuring the leak out of the way.
6. Take Pictures
If you have home insurance, you may need to document any damage for future reference. Do this by taking photographs and videos of the damage and be sure to list all the damaged items. Remember to get a report from the plumber as well.
Source: deltadetroit.com
Final Thoughts
Plumbing emergencies can result in significant damage to your property. This is especially the case if a water leak has several hours of head start on you. No matter how big or small your plumbing emergency is, follow our tips to reduce the potential damage to your property while you wait for the emergency plumber to arrive. A few simple steps can make a significant difference and you’ll be glad you did it!
