Plumbing Emergency Tips
Water is a vital service every home needs, but water may also seem like your worst enemy when you have a plumbing emergency. As a homeowner, the odds are that sooner or later you will face a plumbing problem that pushes your panic button. Use these tips to help you deal with water emergency situations.
Drain Backflow
A slow-draining sink may be remedied by using a plunger or drain cleaner. However, be mindful that multiple sinks and tubs in your home that drain slowly could be a sign of an impending sewer pipe or septic emergency.
To prevent a backflow emergency, call your plumbing professional to inspect your plumbing or septic system. If you catch the problem early, you may prevent foul and hazardous backflow and plumbing odors from entering your home.
Burst Pipe
Burst pipes are more common during the winter due to the expansion of water as it freezes. Before the water freezes or after it thaws, it pours into your home through the breach. Corrosion and defects also weaken piping integrity and can lead to water spilling inside your home.
If you have a burst pipe, turn off water to your home at the water main shutoff valve. The shutoff valve may be located in your basement or laundry room. Make sure everyone in your home knows where it’s located.
Water Heater
A leaking water heater should be turned off and professionally serviced right away. Corrosion on the storage tank is a sign of a water leak — even if you don’t see pooled water. Remember that a leaky water heater is at high risk for rupturing. If this happens, turn off the gas and water in your home.
Write down the phone number of your plumbing professional. Keep it in a convenient location where everyone can find it quickly during a plumbing emergency.
At Sobieski Services, Inc., our goal is to help our customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey learn more about energy and home comfort issues — especially HVAC and plumbing issues — so that they can save money and live in healthier, more comfortable homes.
