If you’re one of the few lucky people in the world who haven’t yet experienced a plumbing emergency, chances are, you will have one at some point in your life. In the case of a plumbing emergency, it’s important to know a few crucial steps to take to keep the situation contained. The article will look at a few common plumbing emergencies and how to handle them.

While plumbing emergencies can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, here’s a few common ones to keep a look out for:

• Frozen Pipes — if you find a pipe inside or outside of your house, look closely at the pipe. If there is any damage whatsoever, call a plumber right away. If there seems to be no damage, you can thaw the pipe with a hair dryer set on low heat. Below are a few quick tips on how to avoid a frozen pipe:
  • Insulate your pipes by wrapping them
  • disconnect any unnecessary attachments like garden hoses
  • Help warm air reach pipes by opening your cabinets
  • Keep your home at a warmer temperature
• Leaking Water Heater — a water heater leak can cause floor and wall damage. If your water heater is leaking, shut off the cold water line that delivers water to the system right away. After the water is shut off, turn the water heater itself off so it’ll be ready to be fixed.
• Clogged Drains — If a drain seems to be experiencing slow drainage, you can try some home remedies for drain cleaning. Always make sure any products you’re using are safe and won’t damage the pipes. If a drain is clogged completely, don’t pour anything else down it.

If you experience any sort of plumbing emergency, it’s important that the first thing you do is shut off the closest water source immediately. Next, you’re going to want to check your water heater. If it’s a major emergency, shutting off the water heater will help avoid causing any damage to it. If you find a minor leak, using some plumber’s tape or rags and towels can help contain the damage until the plumbing service professionals arrive.

Once the water is turned off, there will still be water in the pipes. It’s important to open any drains or spigots to allow this water to leave the pipes outside of your house. After doing all of these things, it’s time to call for help. Be sure to listen to the plumbing service technician and answer any questions they may have as best you can. If it’s a dangerous situation and the plumbing expert tells you it’s best to leave your home until the issue is resolved, it’s important to listen to them.

While most plumbing emergencies are unexpected, here are a few things you can do to attempt to prevent these emergencies:

• Learn your plumbing system so you are able to notice a leak right away and shut off the main water valve.
• Replace parts when they’re worn out to reduce the risk of a breakdown.
• Using a leak detection and protection system can help reduce the damage of a leak if no one is home to realize there’s an issue.
• If you’re unsure about how to fix a problem, don’t try. Calling a plumbing service will save you time, money, and reduce the risk of furthering the damage.