The first thing you may need to do in plumbing emergencies is turn off the water coming into your house. Known as the main shutoff valve, it will likely be a “wheel” valve located somewhere near where the water comes into the house from outside. Turn the valve clockwise to stop the flow of water.
If your tank hot water heater is more than 10 years old, it’s time to start planning for a replacement. If a hot water heater bursts, it pumps hundreds of gallons of water into your house which can be devastating. If your heater shows any signs of leaks, makes odd noises, or isn’t working properly, get it inspected by a professional immediately.
Hot water heater tanks can also get buildup. This causes your water heater to produce less hot water and makes it run more frequently. If you notice that your hot water heater is always running, it can overheat, crack the lining, and burst. Contact a professional to flush your water heater to avoid this disaster.
While grease in it’s liquid state may seem harmless to rinse down the drain, it’s definitely not! As oils make their way through your drain system, it cools and coagulates quickly. This sticky mass will attract other debris, and eventually become a clog. A nasty clog deep within your drain system means a major repair. Always let fats and grease solidify, then dispose of them in the garbage.
Even “flushable” products and wipes don’t actually biodegrade quickly enough to avoid clogging your pipes. Never flush anything other than toilet paper, it’s just not worth it.
While they sound helpful, harsh drain cleaners do more than eat through clogs. They eat through pipes over time as well!
Exposed pipes in the basement or near the laundry are tempting to hang clothes, wet towels or other items from. Any extra weight put on a pipe can stress the joints and cause a failure and burst pipe.
One of the best speed dial numbers you can have is a good plumber! Having regular maintenance done on your plumbing equipment can save you thousands in repairs during an emergency. Have the plumber check your hot water heater and other major plumbing fixtures. If you have any concerns, call a plumber immediately instead of putting it off. When you have an established relationship with a plumber you will also get service faster and even advice over the phone.
Stopping plumbing emergencies before they start is ideal. Save time, money, and aggravation by keeping a close eye on your plumbing, treating it with care, and doing routine maintenance.
If you have questions or concerns about any of your plumbing equipment or need a maintenance check – call us TODAY or reach out to us with our contact form – we’d love to help you!
