Properly Maintained Plumbing Will Help Prevent Plumbing Emergencies
Emergencies can happen in the home and one of the most damaging is a plumbing emergency. Typical emergencies can be frozen or broken pipes, sewer backups and leaking gas. While properly maintained plumbing will greatly lessen the chances of disaster striking, it is important you have the name of an emergency plumber or emergency plumbing service should the worst happen.
Is It Necessary To Call Out The Emergency Plumber?
It is always worth having some plumbing supplies on hand should something go wrong with your system, as you may be able to fix it yourself. Even if you do have problems with your plumbing, and you cannot deal with it, you may be able to get by without having to use a 24-hour emergency plumbing service.
If, for example, you have a problem with a wash basin, the kitchen sink can be used for washing. While you will need to call out a plumber to have the problem with the wash basin dealt with, you will be spared the cost of having to use a potentially much more expensive emergency plumber working on a round-the-clock call out.
Causes Of Plumbing Emergencies And What To Do When They Occur
1. Gas Leak
There may be times when it is absolutely necessary to call out an emergency plumbing service. One of the most obvious needs for an emergency plumbing service is a gas leak. The smell of gas is often the first indication that something is badly wrong. It is very important that an emergency plumber is called out immediately to deal with it as the leak could result in an explosion, death, injury or serious damage to property. The first thing to do when faced with leaking gas in the home is to switch off the main valve, and the second will be to ring the emergency plumbing service.
2. Breakdown In Heating
A breakdown in heating during the depths of winter is also a plumbing emergency. This is particularly so if there are young children in the home, someone who is elderly or ill, or has failing health. Before putting in a call for an emergency plumber, however, it is first worth checking if the problem can be easily resolved. The thermostat should be checked to see if it has been turned down or switched off. The burner switch should also be checked to see if it has been switched off.
The heating might not be working because the circuit breaker has tripped and if it is reset the heating should come back on. If you burn oil, check to see if your oil tank is empty. If, having made all these checks, there is nothing to indicate why the heating is not working, then it is time to make contact with the emergency plumber.
3. Burst Pipes
There are some emergencies where you should take steps before seeking emergency assistance. If you have a burst pipes then you should first shut off the main water valve before calling out an emergency plumbing service. If you don’t know where any of the emergency shut off valves are contact your plumber. Have them come to your home for an inspection and have them tag the valves and explain which ones to shut off first in an emergency.
