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:

• Remember to turn off the main water valve before attempting to fix any leaks. Leaving the main water supply on can lead to further damage to your home’s structure.
• Assess the problem before calling a plumber. Look for clues and signs of damage to provide the technician with more information over the phone, which can speed up the repair process.
• Avoid using unfamiliar tools, including pipe and drain cleaners, sleeve pullers, wrenches, and pliers, as they can cause serious damage or injury. Local plumbing technicians have years of experience and can safely handle any tools required for repairs.
• When fixing a leaky pipe, use two five-gallon buckets – one for tools and one for draining water. Consider attaching a tool caddy to keep your tools dry and organized.
• Use different types of plungers for different types of drains. A forced cup plunger is suitable for toilets and sinks, while a cup plunger works best for shower, tub, and small sink drains.
• Pipe tape or duct tape can provide a temporary fix for cracks, but it won’t hold up for long. Contact an emergency plumber as soon as possible while the tape is still working.

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.