Plumbing emergencies are not only disruptive, but they can also be costly. Fortunately, they’re often preventable with the right maintenance measures. Please ensure everyone in your home knows where the main water valve is and how to shut it off. Also, make a habit of regularly checking your water meter.
1. Avoid Water Damage
Many plumbing emergencies leave homeowners with water damage, which can be incredibly expensive. The best way to avoid this is by taking preventative measures to ensure your home’s plumbing systems are working well and catching problems before they become catastrophes.
If you notice a leak or a flood in your home, first shut off the water source to that area of the house. There should be a shut-off valve at your toilet’s base and one near where the water line enters your home. You should also close the main water valve. Next, remove any items in the water and sanitize the affected areas.
Water damage can cause mold and mildew, so cleaning up as soon as possible is important. Finally, call a plumber to inspect the problem and make any necessary repairs. Taking these steps can save you thousands in repair costs. Plus, it’ll help reduce the stress of a plumbing emergency.
2. Avoid Sewage Backups
Inspecting your sewer lines at least once every several years is a good idea. This will help to spot early signs of trouble; such as root damage or blockages. You can also prevent sewage backups by never pouring cooking grease down drains and only flushing human waste and toilet paper.
If you notice a sewage backup, immediately turn off your home’s main water supply and wait to use tubs, sinks or flush toilets until the problem has been resolved. Slow-moving drains are often the first sign of a sewer backup, especially when they affect multiple rooms or appliances.
Foul odors are another common sign of a sewer issue. Contact a Seattle plumber immediately if you smell sewage or notice standing water in your basement. They’ll be able to assess the situation and determine if it’s an emergency that needs immediate attention.
3. Avoid Leaking Pipes
Leaky pipes are a serious problem that can cause significant water damage to floors, walls and ceilings. Leaky pipe repair is expensive and time-consuming, so it’s important to take preventative measures to reduce the chances of this problem occurring. One of the best things you can do is check regularly for any signs of leaks in your home, such as water stains on your ceiling or walls.
If you notice any, contacting a professional plumber as soon as possible is important to get it fixed. If you find a leaky pipe, turning off your water supply as quickly as possible is important to minimize the damage. This can be done by finding your water main valve, usually in the garage or basement. It would help if you also turned on all your taps in the house to drain any leftover water.
4. Avoid Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing emergencies that can be messy and expensive. Typical clogs result from accumulations over time, which can be prevented by regular maintenance and basic cleanliness.
Avoid putting food scraps down the drain, especially large amounts of oil or grease. These foods will thicken and cause blockages over time. Also, don’t flush items that aren’t toilet-safe such as cotton balls, Q-tips or other trash. These can clog your pipes or lead to more serious problems like sewage backups.
Make a habit of running hot water down drains to keep them clean after each use. It can also help to regularly clean drain filters, trapping hair strands and other debris that could get stuck in your pipes. Try using a homemade drain cleaner with baking soda and vinegar. This combination creates a foam that can power through most organic waste in your lines and remove odors.
