What NOT to Do in a Plumbing Emergency

A plumbing emergency can happen in any home. The best rule of thumb is to act quickly; as soon as there seems to be a problem, get an emergency plumber to look at it. An experienced plumber can diagnose and fix leaky pipes and ceilings, fussy garbage disposals, and overflowing toilets.

What you should not do is wait. Damaged plumbing can quickly progress to bigger issues, exacerbating the problem. No matter the problem, water damage can exponentially increase the harm to your home and wallet. Here are other things you want to do and don’t want to do in plumbing emergencies:

• Don’t forget to shut off the water: By shutting off the main valve, you prevent more water from escaping a damaged area. You could shut off the water that goes to a leaky toilet or faucet. If the source is unknown, leaving the main water supply active can cause major structural damage.
• Do assess the problem first: It’s tempting to just call and get a plumber to come over. Sure, you want to be prompt, but look around for clues and the types of damage you see. The more information you can provide over the phone, the faster the technician can fix the issue.

• Don’t use tools you’re not familiar with: That goes for pipe and drain cleaners and sleeve pullers, as much as common wrenches and pliers. Attempting to use tools without knowledge of how they work can lead to major damage and injuries. Technicians with local plumbing services have years of experience under their belts.
• Do use two five-gallon buckets: If you take on patching a leaky pipe, for example, keep your tools in one bucket to stay dry, and use the other for any leaking water to drain into. Attach a tool caddy to the first bucket if one is available.
• Don’t stick with just one plunger: A forced cup plunger works with toilets and sinks but is not suited for smaller drains like in the bathtub. Keep a cup plunger handy, as well, for a shower, tub, and small sink drains.
• Do consider pipe tape a temporary solution: Duct tape or pipe sealing tape may patch up a crack temporarily, but it won’t hold back the water for long. While it’s still working, call an emergency plumber for assistance ASAP.

If you’re experienced with using wrenches, try using two at once. Turn the pipe in opposite directions so the stress is absorbed by the wrench, not the metal of the pipe. That’s only if you’ve done it before. If not, call for help. Plumbers are necessary, especially if you don’t know the exact source of the problem, as is often the case with a leaky ceiling or garbage disposal that’s acting up. The best way to avoid plumbing emergencies is to call your local plumber.

Contact MET Plumbing & Air Conditioning in Houston for burst pipes, no hot water, clogged/overflowing toilets, and water heater problems. Do not ignore the problem or delay service. Call us at 281-599-3336 immediately for an emergency plumber.