WHAT IS THE COMPLETE HOME PLUMBING EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GUIDE?

Feb 1, 2023 | Columbus, Clog, Emergency Services, Faucet, Leak, Pipe, Plumbing Emergency, Service Professional, Shutoff, Toilet, Valve, Water Supply, Winter

 

Homeownership is often associated with liabilities and obligations, but did you know that many home repairs are linked to plumbing-related emergencies? Taking the right steps in such a situation can help prevent expensive repairs due to water damage. So, educating yourself on this matter will not only keep your finances intact, but it’ll also provide security for yourself amid a plumbing disaster. Don’t delay when you’re faced with a plumbing emergency – the longer you wait, the more costly repairs become. That’s why Five Star Columbus Plumbing is here for you! We provide quick and effective advice about what to do in times of plumbing emergencies. 

How Can You Be Ready for a Plumbing Emergency Before It Occurs?    

  1. Stay Calm- In the event of a plumbing disaster, don’t panic – breathe and take a step back to see the bigger picture. Making decisions from an informed place rather than one driven by stress or fear is the best thing you can do in a less-than-optimal situation. Therefore, it’s important you remain grounded and rational in order to assess your environment before taking action! 
  1. Keep a Stockpile of Old Towels, Rags, & Buckets- This could appear like a trivial tip, yet it can help tremendously in the face of a plumbing emergency! Collect your old towels and rags that have seen better days and store them in an easily accessible space – now you’ll always have quick access to cleanup materials in case of those plumbing emergencies. 
  1. Know Where Your Main Water Supply Is- Every member of your family that is of age should be familiar with the location and operation of your home’s main water shutoff valve. Don’t wait until an emergency arises to learn where it is located; by being proactive now, you will save yourself from excessive damage or costly repairs in the future!  
  1. Call a Licensed Professional- If you are not a licensed professional, don’t attempt to address your plumbing problem alone. You must act swiftly and make sure to contact a licensed plumber as soon as possible in order to fix the issue with minimal hassle. Save yourself time and energy by selecting Five Star Columbus Plumbing for any of your plumbing needs! 

When an Unexpected Plumbing Emergency Arises, What Should You Do?   

Here are some steps you can take when a plumbing emergency happens:  

Turn Off the Water Supply       

In the face of a plumbing emergency, your initial priority should be to identify and promptly shut off the affiliated water source. As an example, if you’re dealing with a toilet leak, you should look behind the toilet and find its corresponding shutoff valve so that the water flow is halted right away. It should be a knob-like valve that is shaped like a football. To switch off the water, simply rotate the knob clockwise until it’s taut. If you have a leaking faucet, search for its shutoff valve beneath your sink, and twist gently in that same direction! In case you are unable to locate this shutoff valve, just turn off the main water supply that we talked about earlier. However, bear in mind that all running water will be cut off once you do so, not just the problematic area. 

Check Your Electrical Appliances and Outlets   

If you are dealing with flooding or standing water, now is the time to inspect your appliances and outlets before any further damage can occur. To prevent this harmful situation from escalating, take into consideration the potential risk of floodwater damaging electronics by turning off the primary circuit breaker and unplugging all electronics that are within reach!  

Clean Up Any Excess Water  

Take fast and proactive action to minimize any additional damage by eliminating standing water with towels, rags, buckets – or whatever else is necessary. Additionally, utilizing an electric fan will make drying much quicker. You can stay one step ahead of extensive damage if cleanup is performed as soon as possible.  

Unexpected plumbing disasters can be both startling and overwhelming, so we hope this compiled information has helped you know how to prepare for any potential plumbing emergencies in the future. With our resources at hand, it’s easier than ever to combat these accidents! However, if you are still unsure about how to handle a situation or require further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Five Star Columbus Plumbing – we’re ready and waiting for your call! 

We’re proud to say we provide round-the-clock emergency plumbing services 365 days a year! Call us today at (614) 401-8086, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here