5 Plumbing Tips To Know During an Emergency in Your Home

When you have a plumbing issue, you will need to make that phone call immediately, but here a just a few of our tips on things that you should do while you wait for the help to arrive.

1. Turn off the water!
This may sound like an obvious thing to do, but in the heat of the moment, it is natural to panic. Depending on the severity of the leak, you may be able to isolate the water supply in one room, such as a bathroom. However, if the leak is more serious, you will need to locate the water main shut off for all your property.

2. Open the cleanout valve (if you have one)
If the problem is with a drain or overflowing toilet, it may be possible to open a cleanout valve that will let the sewage out onto your garden. This is far from ideal but is it certainly better than raw sewage swimming around your property. There could be hygiene issues connected to this so it may be advisable to seek the advice of the emergency plumber when you make the call.

3. Handling Overflows
Overflowing toilets are a common problem in every household, and if your toilet is constantly doing this, it’s time to replace certain parts that will stop the issue. This is part of general maintenance and can be done without the assistance of a professional with the proper instruction.

4. Minimize water damage
If you have a leaking pipe or a leaking washing machine, it is advisable to try and minimize the water damage you towels and mops. The more water that you can get out of your property, the better and should be treated as one of your priorities.

5. Make sure you are calling an emergency plumber
It is important to understand that not all plumbers offer an emergency callout service and those that do may have slow response times. A quality plumbing company will prioritize these types of call-out and should be with you in a matter of hours. Backed up sewage or a serious leak can have devastating effects on you and your property. Time is of the essence, so you need to find out when the Singapore plumber will be with you. Many companies will offer a 24-hour service meaning that you won’t have to wait until the morning to get the matter resolved.

Responsible home ownership includes looking after the various systems inside your home to keep it running smoothly. One of the most complex parts of this job is plumbing repair and maintenance. Many times problems can be solved by hand with proper knowledge, but if the issue becomes more than one or two people can handle, professionals need to be called in. Whether you plan on trying to resolve all issues that come up on your own, or consult a professional each time, as a homeowner, you should also be aware of these tips to prevent emergencies;

Shutting off Water to the House – every home has a valve that is connected to the main water supply. Knowing where this valve is and how to shut it off can turn to stop minor or major leaks from flooding your house, or stop water flow so you can complete repairs that will take more than just a few turns of a wrench.

Sinks and Pipe Clogs – like toilets, drains and pipes can become clogged with dust and debris over time and will require cleaning. While commercial drain cleaners or a plunger can take care of a short-term problem, knowing how to turn off the water and disassemble the drain for proper cleaning is maintenance step that will save money and time in the long-term.

Replacing Machine Hoses – Washing machines and certain refrigeration systems have hoses that connect them to waterlines, and over time these plastic hoses often break down or develop cracks. Inspecting these hoses and replacing them before they cause bigger issues is an easy step any homeowner can take.

Repairing Leaks and Drips – minor leaks or drippy faucets aren’t much of a concern at the beginning but left alone for too long, and they can become a large problem over time. Keep faucets tightened and if you notice leaks work to fix them at the start by evaluating where the water is coming from to avoid larger problems later on.

While plumbing is a complex system, one that needs to be maintained and watched by every homeowner, regular maintenance on the general structure of the system can save homeowners from damage from water, sewer back-ups, or other plumbing issues that can arrive. By following these important home plumbing tips, all maintenance will take is a good eye and some extra effort to keep your plumbing system functioning properly throughout the ownership of your current home, or any new home you ever own.