Plumbing Emergencies: What NOT to Do!

At MET Plumbing & Air Conditioning, clients often call us at all hours of the day and night to rescue them from plumbing emergencies that can range in seriousness from the lighthearted to the dangerous. As a 24-hour plumber, we’re more than happy to get you out of any sticky situation that might arise, but we thought we’d provide a few tips to help you prevent plumbing emergencies in the first place, or at least to help you navigate the most panic-inducing leaks and clogs when they do happen. Here are the biggest plumbing DON’Ts we could think of.

When MET Plumbing & Air Conditioning professionals come to your home to fix plumbing issues, it is essential to have an emergency kit at hand. Trying to handle a significant plumbing problem without a proper kit is like wrestling an alligator without necessary gear. Therefore, they always arrive prepared with a plumbing emergency kit to fix any plumbing problem you may have. It is crucial to take every plumbing issue seriously, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Even a small leak can cause an increase in your water bills and waste precious resources. Thus, twiddling your thumbs and ignoring a leaking faucet is never a good idea. Instead, it’s advisable to call licensed and experienced plumbers like MET Plumbing & Air Conditioning to handle your water leak problem, no matter how big or small.

Washing machines and dishwashers rely on hoses to transport water to and from the units. Hoses wear out over time, and failing to replace them every five years with stainless steel hoses can lead to a significant plumbing emergency. Therefore, routine maintenance is essential to avoid any plumbing emergency.

If you start a plumbing project without knowing the location of the main water shut-off valve, it can result in chaos. Even if you don’t need to turn off the main water valve, it’s necessary to know where it is and how to turn it off quickly in case of a problem. Searching for the valve while your pipes are hemorrhaging water is not advisable.

Dumping toxic chemicals down the sink may not be the best way to clear a pipe. Liquid drain cleaners are often ineffective, and they can burn through the pipe and damage your skin.

Preventing grease or hair from ever entering the pipes is worth a few gallons of drain cleaner. If that fails, call in professionals like MET Plumbing & Air Conditioning to clear those drains without causing any harm. F

resheners dropped in the toilet can also damage plumbing in the long run because they contain drain-eroding chemicals. They can also lead to a clogged toilet if left to dissolve inside the pipes. Therefore, it’s not advisable to fill your toilet with freshening tablets if you want to avoid a plumbing emergency.

Fixing a water heater is a challenging and hazardous task. Water heaters are notorious for being difficult to fix, and even testing the temperature can prove challenging if not done correctly. Therefore, it’s essential to leave the job to professionals like MET Plumbing & Air Conditioning, who specialize in repairing tank and tankless water heaters. Water heaters are not immortal and have a lifespan of approximately a decade. Signs that your unit needs replacing include cold water spills and leakage. Consult a professional plumber to determine whether you need a simple repair or a full-on replacement.

Each fixture in your house should have its own shutoff valve, allowing you to turn off the water to each fixture without shutting down the entire house. Shutting off and on all isolation valves at least once a year is necessary to keep everything running smoothly and to lessen the risk of emergencies.

Lastly, never turn your toilet into a trash can by disposing of things like paper towels, feminine products, hair products, makeup pads, ear swabs, children’s toys, dog toys, or cats. They don’t belong in the toilet and can cause plumbing issues if flushed.

For all of your Texas plumbing needs, MET Plumbing & Air Conditioning is here to help. As a family-run business with over 20 years of professional plumbing experience, we can handle any emergency you throw at us. Serving the entire Houston Metro area, including Katy, the Woodlands, and Sugar Land, we provide everything from water heater repair and drain cleaning to kitchen plumbing services and toilet repair. Whether you have a major emergency or just need routine maintenance, call us at 281-603-9949 or fill out our online form to schedule a service call. You’ll be glad we MET!