How To Handle A Plumbing Emergency

No one ever wants to deal with a plumbing emergency. Clogged or overflowing pipes can create a big mess and even spread bacteria around. If this unfortunate circumstance befalls you, quick action can help you minimize the damage. Here are four important tips that will help you handle your next plumbing emergency:

1. Turn off the water.

If your plumbing emergency involves overflowing water or sewage, your first priority should be cutting off the source of the water. If the overflowing piece of hardware has its own water shutoff valve, you should use it. For example, most modern toilets feature a water shutoff valve near their base. Turning off the water will minimize the water damage you'll need to clean up later. If your hardware does not have its own shutoff valve, you'll need to find the water valve that controls the water for your entire house and turn it off.

2. Contain the spilled water.

If your sink, toilet, or shower managed to overflow before you could turn it off, do your best to contain the resultant water. You may need to use all the towels in your house for this purpose. If you run out of towels, your bed linens can also mop up some of the water. If the overflowed water contains human waste or sewage, you should wear gloves and shoes and try to limit your contact with it as much as possible.

3. Contact an emergency plumbing service.

When you're having a plumbing emergency, it isn't the time to attempt your first DIY plumbing repair job. Time is of the essence, so you should contact a professional to fix the issue as soon as you can. Emergency plumbing services are available at any time of the day or night. They work even when other plumbers don't, so you can feel free to call their phone number even if you experience a plumbing emergency at midnight.

4. Dry your home thoroughly.

After your plumbing has been fixed by a professional, you're still left with the job of cleaning up. It's important that you dry your home as quickly as possible. Wash and dry your wet towels if you need to reuse them for the job. Running a fan and dehumidifier in the affected room can help remove excess moisture. If the overflow was particularly severe, you may need to contact a water damage restoration company that can use professional tools for the job.

For more information on plumbing repair, contact a plumber in your area.

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