Plumbing emergencies can be a nightmare situation for anybody. Not every emergency is a Hollywood-level disaster, but knowing the steps to stop and mitigate a problem is key to limiting damage to your Seattle home. Here are 5 steps to take when looking at and solving a plumbing emergency:
Assess the Situation
With an unexpected problem, it can be easy to panic. The best thing to do though is to stay calm and try to understand what went wrong and where the problem is. Gauging the severity of the plumbing issue will help you solve it and reduce potential damage.
Cut the Water
The first actionable step is to stop the water from the problem source. If the issue is less severe and localized, like a single toilet or sink, then turning the valve behind the toilet or under the sink will do the trick. For more serious issues, you will want to cut the main water valve. Whenever you move into a new home or apartment, knowing the location of the main water valve is key. You can see a guide to finding it here. This will immediately stop the flow of water throughout your home and prevent flooding and more serious damage
Shut off the Water Heater
Your next step should be to turn off your water heater. Leaving the water heater on can seriously damage the unit due to a build-up of heat. If left unchecked, this could result in overheating, and in extreme cases, bursting. If you have a gas heater, always make sure to turn the gas off first.
Open Drains and Clean Up
Even though your valve may be shut off, there will still be water left in the pipes. Opening your homes drains and spigots will help clear this excess water out and avoid additional damage. Utilize your hose in order to get the last water out of there too. Also start using towels and buckets to clean up the affected area. This will help minimize damage to your home until a plumber arrives.
Contact a Licensed Plumber
Calling a plumber as soon as possible can only speed up the time it takes for them to be dispatched to your home. Given that emergencies always seem to happen at the most inconvenient times, you will want plumbing available at any time. Here at Best Plumbing in Seattle, our experienced teams are available 24/7 to handle any of your general and emergency plumbing needs. Our dispatcher can also advise you on how to handle many situations until help arrives to prevent injury or potential home damage.
If you’re looking for a trusted local plumber, contact Best Plumbing in Seattle 24/7. We’ve been serving the greater Puget Sound area for over 50 years!
