Are you in a situation where you need an emergency plumber, but they won’t be able to arrive for a while? Or is it a scenario where you need a plumbing service in the middle of the night and a plumber is unavailable?
Don’t worry! Now you can deal with any plumbing emergency that requires immediate attention. Want to know how?
Below, we have shared some practical and effective ideas on what you can do while waiting for an emergency plumber to arrive.
Let’s explore some productive things to do while you wait for an emergency plumber!
Things to do While You Wait for an Emergency Plumber
Here are eight things you can do in an emergency plumbing situation while waiting for your plumber.
1: Shut off the Main Water Valve
Shutting the water valve off is a crucial step in dealing with any emergency plumbing. This is the very first thing you should do in a plumbing emergency.
The main water valve is typically located near the water meter or where the main water supply enters your home. To shut off the main water valve, turn the valve handle clockwise or anti-clockwise as required until it stops. If the valve is difficult to turn, you can use pliers or a wrench to help you.
This will not only help you to minimize the damage by stopping the water from flowing inside the home but will also prove helpful while waiting for the plumber to arrive.
2: Drain the Remaining Water from the Lines
Once you have shut down the main water supply, there will still be some water left in the water pipes and line. This is why the next step you should take is to drain the water from the lines. To do this, open all the faucets in your home and let all the remaining water flow out.
Start with the faucet closest to the main water valve and work your way through the house. Don’t forget to include outdoor faucets. Once the water has stopped flowing, turn off each faucet in reverse order, starting with the faucet furthest from the main water valve.
Draining the lines can help minimize damage and make it easier for the emergency plumber to diagnose and fix the problem. Just be sure not to turn the main water valve back on until the plumber has arrived and inspected the system.
3: Do not Use Any Harmful Chemicals
Never try to use harsh chemicals or drain openers to mitigate the situation. Chemicals such as drain cleaners and harsh detergents can cause damage to pipes, leading to further plumbing problems and costly repairs. These chemicals can also lead to health hazards by posing a risk to your health and safety. Many drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can cause skin and eye irritation and many other issues
It is better to contact a plumbing company than find a solution on your own.
4: Clear all the Standing Water
This is the next thing you should do while waiting for the plumber to arrive. Standing water can cause damage to floors, walls, and other structures, as well as create a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. That’s why it’s important to clear all the standing water as soon as possible.
Start by using towels, mops, or a wet vacuum to remove as much water as you can. If you have a sump pump, use it to remove the remaining water. Once you have cleared the standing water, allow the affected area to dry completely. You can use fans, dehumidifiers, or open windows to promote air circulation and speed up the drying process.
Clearing all the standing water is an essential step in dealing with a plumbing emergency. It can help minimize damage and protect your home from potential health hazards.
5: Remove The Furniture Away from The Affected Area
During a plumbing emergency, it’s essential to protect your furniture and other belongings from water damage. If there is furniture in the affected area or any standing water or a wet carpet, then it is better to remove the furniture away from there to avoid any potential water damage.
Begin by taking small items such as lamps, books, and electronics away from the affected area. Next, carefully move larger items like chairs, sofas, and tables to a dry area. Once you have moved the furniture, place towels or plastic sheeting underneath to protect them from any remaining moisture.
By moving furniture away from the affected area, you can reduce the amount of potential water damage to your belongings, and this can also save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
6: Check Your Electrical Appliances
During a plumbing emergency, it’s not just water damage you need to worry about. Water can also damage your electrical appliances or, by seeping into your electrical equipment, can potentially cause a safety hazard. Therefore, it is important to check your electrical appliances to ensure they’re safe to use.
Start by turning off the power to the affected area from the main breaker panel. Next, unplug all electrical appliances in the affected area. Do not use any electrical appliances that have been in contact with water until you have checked them for damage.
Also inspect each electrical appliance for signs of water damage, such as frayed wires, rust, or discoloration. Once you’ve inspected your electrical appliances and determined they’re safe to use, plug them back in and turn the power back on. However, if any appliances show signs of damage, do not use them until a qualified professional has repaired them.
By checking your electrical appliances, you can help prevent potential electrical and fire hazards and ensure the safety of your home during a plumbing emergency.
7: Take Pictures and Notes
If your plumber has still not arrived, it is a good time to document the situation. Take pictures and notes of the affected area. By doing this you can point out where the plumbing leaks were or other such emergencies that need immediate attention. Moreover, this will also prove helpful when it comes to accurately reporting the damage to your insurance company and ensuring that you receive the coverage you need.
Start by taking pictures of the affected area from different angles, including any visible damage to pipes, walls, floors, and ceilings. Next, take detailed notes of the damage, including the time and date of the incident, the location of the damage, and any relevant details, such as the source of the leak or the extent of the water damage.
While waiting for emergency plumbing services, this is the best task that you can do.
8: Don’t Try to Fix it on Your Own
Never try to fix the problem yourself to save time and money because doing this can lead to further damage, increased costs, and potential safety hazards. This is why it is best to leave the repairs to the professionals. Plumbing emergencies can be complex and require specialized equipment and knowledge to fix properly.
Instead of trying to fix the problem on your own, focus on mitigating the damage by following the steps outlined in this blog post. When the emergency plumber arrives, explain the situation and show them any pictures or notes you’ve taken.
This can ensure that the problem is fixed correctly and safely without causing any further damage.
Contact Arrant Plumbing Services for Your Emergency Plumbing
Do you find yourself struggling with a plumbing emergency? We recommend seeking professional help!
Arrant Plumbing Services is one such reliable and trusted company that can provide quality plumbing services at any time of the day or night. Our team of experienced and skilled plumbers are available 24/7 to handle any plumbing emergencies promptly and efficiently.
So, whenever you need emergency plumbing services contact our plumbing company. We aim to fix and relieve you of all your plumbing problems. We understand, when it comes to plumbing emergencies, time is of the essence, and a quick response can help minimize the damage and save you money in the long run.
So, what are you waiting for? Contact Arrant Construction for emergency plumbing services in Houston, TX.
