Have you walked into your house and found your toilet overflowing, or water running under your sink, or a pipe bursting? When you have a plumbing emergency, it's important to know what to do while waiting for an emergency plumber. This is because what you do while you wait can help reduce the damage done and it can also help prevent other problems.
If you have a plumbing emergency, Bannister Plumbing & Air can help. We have a team of experienced plumbers who are available 24/7 to help you with any plumbing problem, big or small. Call us today to learn more about our services.
6 Things to do while Waiting for an Emergency Plumber
In the meantime, here are six things to do while waiting for an emergency plumber:
Turn Off the Water
The first thing to do is turn off the water. If you can't find the main shutoff valve, you will need to shut off the water to the valve closest to the leak. This reduces the amount of water flowing through the pipes and helps prevent further damage. Be aware that the more water you lose, the higher your water bill will be.
Empty Rows
After the water has been turned off, there may still be water in the lines. To prevent this water from causing further damage or leaks, you must drain the lines. To do this, turn on all the faucets in your house until they run dry. This allows water to flow out of the pipes.
Remove any Standing Water
The next thing you should do is eliminate standing water in your home. Standing water can damage your floor, furniture and walls. It can also cause mold and mildew growth. No need to wait for the plumber to start draining the water. To drain the water, you need to use towels, a wet vacuum or a mop and a bucket. In order for the place to dry quickly, you can open windows and doors and turn on the fans.
Check all Electronic Devices
Sometimes water from pipe leaks can reach your electronic devices. This can be dangerous as electrical appliances and water do not mix. If you have any electrical equipment affected by the leak, you must have it checked by a qualified electrician before using it again. You should also examine your fuse box or circuit breaker to see if there is water in there. In this case you will also have to have it checked by an electrician.
Move Furniture out of Wet Areas
If you still have standing water or there are carpets or wet areas, you need to put your furniture away. Water can damage your furniture, so it's important to get rid of it as soon as possible. If you have paintings or other works of art, you should also remove them from the wet area.
Take Notes and Photos
If the emergency plumber still hasn't arrived, take the time to document the damage. That means photographing the damage and writing a list of what was damaged. If possible, you should also find out how long the water has been running and what caused the leak. This information is important to your insurance claim.
A plumbing emergency can be a stressful experience. But if you know what to do while waiting for the emergency plumber, you can help prevent further damage and make the process smoother. Bannister Plumbing & Air can help you with any plumbing problem, big or small. Call us today to learn more about our services.
Contact us if you have a Plumbing Emergency
You can never tell when a plumbing emergency will occur. That's why it's important to always have the number of a qualified emergency installer handy. Bannister Plumbing & Air is a reliable plumbing company offering 24/7 emergency plumbing services. We know that a plumbing emergency can arise at any time, and we're here to help. Call us today at 903-541-2266 to schedule an appointment.
