Most homeowners will, at one point or another, experience a plumbing emergency. In some cases, professional plumbers are not immediately available. It would be helpful to know how to handle common household plumbing emergencies, at least until help arrives.
1. Clogged drain
A clogged drain is a common problem in both the kitchen and the bathroom. Use a rubber plunger to unclog the drain. Remember not to use a drain cleaner if the sink is completely clogged.
2. Leaking pipes
When a pipe leaks or breaks, the first thing you should do is to turn off the main water shutoff valve. If you need to shut off the main water supply, remember to turn off the hot water heater first. This way, you can prevent the water heater from overheating.
3. Leaking appliances
If appliances such as a dishwasher or washing machine leaks first check that the trap that drains the water is completely open. More often than not, an appliance leaks because of a clogged drain. If there is no problem with the drain, then you should consult the manufacturer.
4. Frozen pipes
If you ever have a problem with frozen pipes, get a hair dryer and slowly thaw the pipes. You can also wipe the pipes using towels that are soaked in warm water. Never heat pipes with a torch or you might cause a fire.
5. Running faucet
If the faucet won’t shut off, immediately turn off the water at the fixture shutoff valve. This is located underneath the sink. If there is no valve under the sink, turn off the main shutoff valve.
If hot water is flowing from the faucet, just leave it running. Shut off the gas or electric supply to the heater. Keep the faucet running until cold water flows from it.
These plumbing emergencies may seem simple, but should be fixed immediately. Leaving plumbing problems unfixed may cause serious damage. For even more plumbing help, visit Champs Atlanta Plumbing.
