Critical Measures to Save Your Home During a Plumbing Emergency

A blocked sewer line, leaking faucets, broken pipes, and clogged toilets are all plumbing disasters that every homeowner dreads. What's worse, they occur when you least expect them, especially over the weekend and holidays, during a party, and other times when your regular plumber may not be available. While it's possible to take all the reasonable measures to maintain your home's plumbing in tiptop condition, emergencies do occur once in a while. When they do, the least you can do is contain the damage until you can get an emergency plumber to help. Here are some critical measures that you should take to control such a situation.

Turn off the main shutoff valve

It is essential for every homeowner to know where their home's main shutoff valve is located for the sake of plumbing emergencies. Turning off this valve cuts the water supply in the entire household. If you are dealing with a plumbing leak or blockage, you should turn off the main valve to ensure that no water flows to the leaky pipes and faucets. This protects your fixtures from water damage and saves you from cleaning a flooded house. However, if you can locate the source of the problem and the valve that's corresponding to that line, you can shut it off instead of cutting off water for the entire household.

Switch off the heating system

If you have a heater that utilises a water storage tank, it is critical to switch off the heater after cutting the water supply to your home. Since the water heater is continuously heating water in the tank, the move to turn off the main valve will increase pressure in the tank as the water therein gets hotter. If the pressure rises beyond the system's capabilities, it can cause the heater to burst. This will spell additional plumbing and electrical problems in your home. To avoid this, locate the heating unit and switch it off immediately after shutting off the water at the main valve.

Try to contain the leak

Once you have handled the water supply and the heater, the next thing is to manage the leakage. You want as little damage as possible as you wait for your plumber. Leaks can damage your drywall, flooring, paint, and other fixtures. However, you can prevent this by containing them within a small area. Place old clothes or rugs on the leaking pipe to soak up the water. Make use of buckets to collect leaking water as well. You can also try to open the faucets so that the water that's remaining in the pipes can drain away.

Take these measures when faced with a plumbing emergency. Don't forget to keep a plumber's contact at hand so that you can ask for help if such unforeseen situations occur.