Plumbing emergencies can affect every home and property across the US. No one is safe from these problems because we all use and interact with indoor plumbing. Any number of things can cause a plumbing emergency such as root intrusion, serious drain clogs, burst pipes and so much more. In an effort to help our clients, Rooter-Man Plumbing wanted to offer a few helpful tips on how to respond to a plumbing emergency. Prior planning can help resolve the problem quickly and prevent further damage.
- Unclog the toilet
- Clogged toilets can cause extensive damage if they are not unclogged quickly. Before the water rises too far, try plunging the toilet. Toilet clogs require a flange plunger, which is usually black in color—not red. These plungers are deeper than the red plungers and usually have an extended lip at the bottom that should fit in the hole of the toilet bowl. This seals the hole and allows the most force to be applied to the clog. If this does not resolve the problem, you can also turn off the water supply for the toilet so that it does not continue to fill and overflow.
- Know where the Main Water Valve is located
- The main water valve can be turned off in the event of a major plumbing emergency. This turns off the water supply to your property, which can often be the difference between a few hundred dollars and thousands of dollars in repairs. The less water that enters the damaged area, the easier the problem is to resolve. Everyone in your home should know where this valve is located and be able to turn it off easily.
- You should also know where the valves are for all sinks and toilets in your home. This allows you to turn off the water supply to a specific area rather than to your entire home. These valves should be turned off and on again regularly to ensure they are in proper working order.
- Turn off your water heater
- If you have to shut off the main water valve, you should be sure to trip the breaker for the hot water heater. If you do not turn off the water heater, you could cause the heating element to burn out and require replacement.
- Have the number for a local plumber
- The worst time to find the right plumber is during an emergency. Though we pride ourselves on superior customer service at Rooter-man Plumbing, not all plumbers are the same. You should call around, look at websites, and ask those around you about plumbers that have offered good or bad service. You can also schedule routine plumbing inspections on various appliances in your home—such as your water heater. Knowing the plumbers you call during an emergency can significantly reduce the stress you experience. You need to be able to trust that you’re calling the right team for the job. You can trust Rooter-man; we are here to rescue you from any plumbing emergency.
- Unclog sinks or showers
- Unlike clogged toilets, clogged sinks can be plunged with the red, cup-style plunger. These usually have a wider rim and easily fit over the entire drain in your sink or shower. You should pump the plunger several times after you have a good seal around the drain. This will create a vacuum, which will loosen debris and allow the water to flow freely down the drain.
It is always important to know the proper tools for any job. If you are unsure about plungers or other plumbing tools, give our licensed technicians a call today. Rooter-Man Plumbing values the satisfaction of our customers, so we are very particular about the products we offer and install for our residential and commercial clients. If you have any questions or would like to discuss installation options for your home or business, the plumbers at Rooter-Man Plumbing have the tools, knowledge, and experience to explain all of your plumbing installation, repairs and maintenance questions. For testimonials, money saving tips, and coupons check out our site. When you have a problem its Rooter-Man plumbers to the rescue!
