8 Ways to Avoid a Plumbing Emergency
By: John Garcia | Date Posted: March 1, 2022
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Itās an unfortunate truth, but plumbing emergencies can happen to anyone. No matter how well you take care of your plumbing, sometimes things just need to be dealt with right away.
And if this happens during the middle of the night when a plumber is not available to offer an emergency plumbing service, what then?
If you want to avoid a plumbing emergency in the future, there are many precautions you can take to keep it at bay. From understanding what causes clogs and leaks to knowing how to fix minor plumbing issues on your own, read on for some practical tips that will save you from a plumbing emergency.
Tips To Avoid a Plumbing Emergency
Understanding Your Plumbing System
One of the best ways to avoid a plumbing emergency is to understand your plumbing system. You can do this by performing regular maintenance on your homeās plumbing fixtures and systems. Regular maintenance can also help to prevent plumbing problems before they happen.
You should also know where your water shut-off valve is located in case of an emergency. This will save you time and stress if you ever need to turn off the water while working with pipes or fixtures. Many homes have the valve in their basement, and itās important to know how to find it and place them properly.
Repairing minor plumbing problems on your own
Knowing how to fix minor plumbing issues on your own can be a lifesaver. You may not want to tackle the problem yourself, but if you know what to do in case of an emergency, then you wonāt have to wait around for a plumber.
Understanding what causes clogs and leaks
The first step to avoiding a plumbing emergency is to understand the reasons behind clogs and leaks. A leak, for example, is often caused by a pipe being worn down with age. To avoid this, inspect your pipes every year to make sure they have not become weakened or corroded.
Clogs, on the other hand, are often caused by food particles and other debris that canāt be flushed away. If you have a toilet, which many of us do, you should always make sure there is plenty of water in it so that it doesnāt run dry. You should also use strainers on any sinks or tubs you have to collect any hair or soap before it enters the drain.
Preventing clogs and leaks
Unfortunately, plumbing emergencies canāt always be avoided. But if you want to prevent a clog or leak from happening in the future, there are many things you can do to keep it at bay.
Debris in the pipes is a major factor that causes clogs and leaks. To avoid this, you should clean your pipes every year by using boiling water and baking soda. Simply mix one cup of baking soda with one quart of boiling water and pour the mixture down the drain.
This will scrub your pipes and remove any mineral buildup that could lead to clogs or leaks. You should also avoid putting hair, grease, or other materials down your sink because these items can cause clogs as well.
If you have a leaky pipe or faucet, you should turn off the water valve immediately so that no more damage is done to your home. If you can contact an emergency plumbing service to fix it for you, call them now! Otherwise, use a wet cloth around the pipe (not on top) to catch any drips until you get help. Then turn off the main water supply at the pipe leading into your house.
Maintaining Your Homeās Water Pressure
Water pressure is important because it determines how much water your plumbing fixtures can handle. If you live in a high-rise building, the water pressure might be higher. However, if you live in a low-rise or one-level home, the water pressure might be lower. This can cause problems with your plumbing fixtures, especially if the faucet is old and rusty.
The best way to maintain your homeās water pressure is to have a professional come and replace the older pipes with newer ones that can handle more water.
In order to prevent any plumbing emergencies from happening, you should also make sure that your toilet doesnāt run constantly when it is not being used. Also, make sure your dishwasher and washing machine are not running while they are not in use since these appliances use a lot of water as well.
A backup sump pump is also an effective way to combat any plumbing emergencies, as these pumps will automatically turn on when there is an excess of water in your houseās sewer system or basement.
These pumps will send the excess water out safely so it does not flood your basement or houseās sewer system and cause damage to any of your appliances or furniture from all of the standing water.
When to Call a Professional
Plumbing emergencies are never convenient, but the key is knowing when to call a professional. If youāve done everything you can and your plumbing issue still isnāt fixed, thatās when you should call a professional. While they may charge more than DIY methods, they offer fast service and know exactly how to fix your plumbing emergency.
Emergency planning
The best way to avoid a plumbing emergency is to plan for it. The first step in this process is to have an emergency contact list on hand. This will help you know who to call if something happens and how they can be of the most assistance.
Next, you should create a list of your homeās key features so that you can tell the emergency plumbing service person exactly what kind of problem you are facing. This could include things like whether or not there is water coming out of a pipe, if there are any broken pipes, etc.
A 24-hour plumbing hotline
If you have a plumbing emergency, itās important to know who to call. If you donāt have a 24-hour hotline for your plumber, then you need to set one up.
Itās not as simple as calling the number of any old plumber and expecting that he or she can help you in an emergency situation. You want someone with experience who is available at all hours of the day and night. When it comes to plumbing emergencies, timing is everything.
The emergency kit
One of the best ways to avoid a plumbing emergency is by having an emergency kit. This should include any tools you need for minor repairs and for clearing clogs, such as a plunger, toilet auger, and bucket.
Itās also important to have a flashlight in your kit because you might not always be able to see what needs repairing without one. Lastly, this kit should include something you can use to seal up the leak or clog if needed.
For example, if you know that your pipes are likely to freeze in your area, it would be wise to have some heat tape handy just in case.
Wrapping up
Plumbing emergencies are frustrating and time-consuming, but they donāt have to be a disaster. The best way to avoid a plumbing emergency is to always take care of your plumbing before it becomes an issue. Using the tips mentioned here will help you do that and keep your home running smoothly.
Thank you for reading!
