Rockville Emergency Plumbing Company
Every homeowner has experienced plumbing issues at least once during the year. Minor plumbing problems such as a dripping faucet or poor water pressure can be easily handled, but when it comes to emergencies like burst pipes and runny toilets, you have to get professional assistance fast. Failure to act quickly in a plumbing emergency will inevitably lead to damaging your home and spending a lot of money on costly repairs. Until the Rockville Emergency Plumbing Company arrives, there are things you should do to prevent further damage and manage the situation like a true professional.
The Importance of Staying Calm
It is very easy to panic during plumbing emergencies, but you have to pull yourself together and act quickly because, as we mentioned, only by working quickly you will be able to take control of the situation and prevent further damage. We know it is hard to think straight during emergencies, but you have to realize that panicking won’t help and take care of your problems. So, take a deep breath and keep following our tips in your mind. Our tips will help you minimize the damage and manage the situation until a plumbing expert arrives.
The Importance of Staying Calm
It is very easy to panic during plumbing emergencies, but you have to pull yourself together and act quickly because, as we mentioned, only by working quickly you will be able to take control of the situation and prevent further damage. We know it is hard to think straight during emergencies, but you have to realize that panicking won’t help and take care of your problems. So, take a deep breath and keep following our tips in your mind. Our tips will help you minimize the damage and manage the situation until a plumbing expert arrives.
Shutting off the Water and Main Water Valve
In order to prevent further damage, it is crucial to turn off the main water valve as soon as you discover a major leak or some other plumbing problem. Even a small leak can cost you thousands of dollars in structural damage if left unattended. If the water leak or overflow is at an individual fixture, make sure you turn off the water running to the fixture. You just need to turn the valve clockwise. If you have troubles locating the main water valve, try looking near your water meter. If you are having problems with a runny toilet, toilet shut offs are located behind the toilet on the wall. Sink water valves are located beneath them, usually in a cabinet under the counter.
If you think you are dealing with a burst pipe, you must shut off the main water valve. After doing this, you must open up the outside faucets and drain the pipes. This will lead the water out of your house and reduce the damage. When it comes to having problems with one of your water using appliances, such as a washing machine or a dishwasher, you should ensure the drainage trap is completely open. If the drainage is partially clogged, you may cause flooding within the appliance. Also, don’t forget to turn off these appliances from electricity. If you’re dealing with an extreme emergency and floods, shut down the power inside your circuit breaker panel or fuse box.
When it comes to water heater leaks, you should turn off the cold water valve located directly above the heater. If you cannot close it, as we said, shut off the main water supply. If the leak is not draining into the drain, you should drain water from the heater by connecting a hose to the drainage valve to a nearby sink or drain the water outdoor. Turn off the gas if you have a gas water heater and turn off the power at your circuit breaker panel if you have an electric heater.
In order to prevent further damage, it is crucial to turn off the main water valve as soon as you discover a major leak or some other plumbing problem. Even a small leak can cost you thousands of dollars in structural damage if left unattended. If the water leak or overflow is at an individual fixture, make sure you turn off the water running to the fixture. You just need to turn the valve clockwise. If you have troubles locating the main water valve, try looking near your water meter. If you are having problems with a runny toilet, toilet shut offs are located behind the toilet on the wall. Sink water valves are located beneath them, usually in a cabinet under the counter.
If you think you are dealing with a burst pipe, you must shut off the main water valve. After doing this, you must open up the outside faucets and drain the pipes. This will lead the water out of your house and reduce the damage. When it comes to having problems with one of your water using appliances, such as a washing machine or a dishwasher, you should ensure the drainage trap is completely open. If the drainage is partially clogged, you may cause flooding within the appliance. Also, don’t forget to turn off these appliances from electricity. If you’re dealing with an extreme emergency and floods, shut down the power inside your circuit breaker panel or fuse box.
When it comes to water heater leaks, you should turn off the cold water valve located directly above the heater. If you cannot close it, as we said, shut off the main water supply. If the leak is not draining into the drain, you should drain water from the heater by connecting a hose to the drainage valve to a nearby sink or drain the water outdoor. Turn off the gas if you have a gas water heater and turn off the power at your circuit breaker panel if you have an electric heater.
Assessing the Damage and Calling a Plumber
Before you call a plumber, it would be good to access to damage and provide that information to your plumber. For example, try giving your plumber as much information as you can about what fixtures are affected and what you have done to manage the situation. If your plumber knows what to expect, he will be able to solve the problem more quickly.
After you have called a plumber, you should move your furniture and valuables into a dry area because furniture can be heavily and permanently damaged by standing water. If you have troubles moving a piece of furniture, put a few layers of aluminum foil under its legs to move it more smoothly. After this, you should remove as much standing water as you can. There is no need to wait to do that until your plumber arrives. The longer you wait, the more damage is being caused to your flooring and drywall.
Also, due to increased moisture in the room, mold can be quickly colonized. We are sure you don’t want to deal with another major problem like this one, so use a mop, towels or whatever you have on hand to clean up the water. Open your windows, open the doors, turn on the fans and do everything you can to air out the room and prevent the forming of mold. Lastly, if you have experienced a severe flood in your home, your insurance will cover the damage expenses for you, but you need to take a lot of notes and pictures as evidence. This information may help you a great deal when working with your insurance company and restoration specialists.
Don’t forget, whenever you need a plumbing expert, they are on call and at your service 24/7, day and night, 365 days a year. There is nothing we can’t assist you with, from plumbing repairs, heating and air conditioning services to roofing, kitchen and bathroom remodeling and even upgrading your fireplace.
After you have called a plumber, you should move your furniture and valuables into a dry area because furniture can be heavily and permanently damaged by standing water. If you have troubles moving a piece of furniture, put a few layers of aluminum foil under its legs to move it more smoothly. After this, you should remove as much standing water as you can. There is no need to wait to do that until your plumber arrives. The longer you wait, the more damage is being caused to your flooring and drywall.
Also, due to increased moisture in the room, mold can be quickly colonized. We are sure you don’t want to deal with another major problem like this one, so use a mop, towels or whatever you have on hand to clean up the water. Open your windows, open the doors, turn on the fans and do everything you can to air out the room and prevent the forming of mold. Lastly, if you have experienced a severe flood in your home, your insurance will cover the damage expenses for you, but you need to take a lot of notes and pictures as evidence. This information may help you a great deal when working with your insurance company and restoration specialists.
Don’t forget, whenever you need a plumbing expert, they are on call and at your service 24/7, day and night, 365 days a year. There is nothing we can’t assist you with, from plumbing repairs, heating and air conditioning services to roofing, kitchen and bathroom remodeling and even upgrading your fireplace.