Having the basic emergency plumbing knowledge can help prevent water damage and costly repairs. Learn how to shut off water, clear simple clogs and identify serious issues that require a professional plumber.
Knowing how to locate and shut off your main water supply is crucial in a plumbing emergency. Being able to turn off the water quickly can help prevent extensive flooding and water damage to your home before the plumber arrives.
In most houses, the main water shut-off valve is located outside near the water metre. It may be in a concrete box underground, or mounted on the outside wall. If you can’t find it, trace the water pipes from the metre into the house - the valve will be installed along this line.
The valve will usually be labelled 'main shut-off valve’.
To shut off the main valve, simply turn the handle clockwise until it won’t turn anymore. Be sure to shut off the main valve before calling the plumber in an emergency.
You’ll likely hear water flow stopping as you turn it. This prevents further flooding while you wait for help. You’ll likely hear water flow stopping as you turn it.
When a plumbing leak occurs, it’s important to assess any visible damage so you can accurately describe the problem to the emergency plumber. Look for signs of water damage like damp walls, peeling paint or plaster, warped floors or ceilings, and pooling water.
Check under sinks, near pipes, and around toilets, hot water heaters, and appliances like dishwashers or washing machines. See if there are any wet spots developing on walls or ceilings.
Take pictures of any water damage you find to share with the plumber. Make notes on the location and extent of the damage. If there is a lot of flooding, use towels to help soak up water. Take pictures of any water damage you find to share with the plumber. Assessing damage helps you explain the situation accurately when you call plumbing services for emergency plumbing assistance. Assessing damage helps you explain the situation accurately when you call plumbing services for emergency plumbing assistance.
Turn off any appliances involved.
It’s better to avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners when trying to unblock drains. While they may seem like an easy solution, the corrosive ingredients can actually damage pipes and plumbing systems over time.
Chemical drain cleaners often contain concentrated acids or alkalis that can eat away at the metal or PVC piping, weakening the infrastructure. The chemicals also kill off beneficial bacteria in drains and septic systems.
For gentle drain clearing, try using a plunger, drain snake, baking soda and vinegar, or boiling water first. Calling a professional plumber for serious blockages is recommended rather than using industrial chemical cleaners, which can lead to deteriorating drains needing expensive repairs down the track.
When faced with a minor leak while waiting for the plumber, there are some temporary fixes you can try. For small drips from joints in pipes, secure plastic packing tape tightly over the area. You can also try wrapping pipe thread seal tape or putty around leaking joints to stop water escaping.
Hose clamps can be tightened over cracks or pinhole leaks in pipes as a quick solution.
Wide rubber bands or even chewed gum can sometimes seal up tiny burst pipe leaks enough to buy some time. Wide rubber bands or even chewed gum can sometimes seal up tiny burst pipe leaks enough to buy some time.
Whatever products you use, ensure they are tightly sealed over the leak to postpone water escaping. Whatever products you use, ensure they are tightly sealed over the leak to postpone water escaping. Whatever products you use, ensure they are tightly sealed over the leak to postpone water escaping.
But small leaks can be temporarily fixed with tape or clamps in a pinch.
It’s crucial to turn off your water heater as soon as possible during a plumbing emergency. This helps prevent any further damage from occurring while you wait for the plumber to arrive.
For an electric water heater, simply flip the breaker switch to the 'off’ position. Gas water heaters will have a control knob or shutoff valve on the intake pipe. Turn the knob clockwise or slide the shutoff lever to 'close’ to stop the gas supply.
If you have a tankless water heater, find the shutoff valve on the water line leading into the unit. Shutting off a tankless heater may also stop hot water to the rest of the house.
Rotate it clockwise to the closed position. Doing this stops water from entering and being heated.
Once you’ve successfully turned off the power or fuel supply to the water heater, check the taps to confirm the hot water has stopped running. Turning off your hot water system prevents heated water causing further damage from any leaks until the plumber arrives to make permanent repairs.
Knowing how to safely turn off your hot water equipment is an essential part of minimising the impact of plumbing emergencies. Taking this basic step buys you valuable time and can prevent costly water damage from escalating while you wait for professional assistance.
During a plumbing emergency, it’s crucial to contact a 24/7 emergency plumber as soon as possible for prompt, professional assistance. A reliable company like Kenthurst Plumbing has licenced, experienced technicians available at any hour to respond to catastrophes like burst pipes, gas leaks, sewer backups, and flooding issues.
Calling an emergency plumber right away helps minimise damage to your home and prevents the situation worsening over time. Attempting DIY repairs without proper training can also be dangerous with gas or water leaks. Our technicians are fully equipped to make emergency repairs and get your plumbing functioning safely again.
Don’t wait with a plumbing emergency - contact a 24-hour plumber immediately. Describe the damage or problems you’re experiencing so we can despatch the appropriate technicians and equipment to solve the crisis. We’ll troubleshoot issues, make repairs, and work to restore water supply while avoiding contamination.
During catastrophes like burst pipes or sewage backups, every minute counts. Our rapid response times prevent water from continuing to flood your home. We’re available anytime to handle plumbing emergencies - call Kenthurst Plumbing now on 1300 XXX XXX for urgent assistance from a qualified emergency plumber.
When preparing for the plumber’s arrival during a plumbing emergency, safety should be your top priority. Have any necessary tools or parts on hand that they may need, like keys or valve handles. Turn off the main water supply and electricity to the affected area of the house.
Clear a path so the plumber can access problem areas easily.
Make sure pets are kept away from the area to allow the plumber space to work. Have your description of the problem and any notes ready to explain what happened and what work needs to be done. Providing details ahead of time allows the plumber to prepare the right equipment and parts for repairs.
Stay out of the plumber’s way but remain available in case they have any questions as they troubleshoot your plumbing issues. Being prepared for the plumber’s visit ensures they can quickly resolve the emergency so your plumbing system is restored safely.
Being proactive is the best way to avoid plumbing emergencies. Invest in regular maintenance and inspection from a professional like Kenthurst Plumbing to catch potential problems early. We can inspect all areas of your plumbing and provide preventative repairs to pipes, taps, drains and appliances prone to wear and tear.
Practise vigilance - look and listen for any troubling signs like damp patches, musty smells, gurgling drains or changes in water flow. Address minor leaks immediately before they worsen. Know where your main water valve is and check it regularly to ensure it’s working.
Installing flood prevention devices like leak detectors and water shut-off valves helps minimise damage if leaks do occur.
Use hair catchers in showers and sinks to prevent blockages. Don’t pour harsh chemicals down drains. Follow our hot water heater maintenance guide to maximise its lifespan.
Being prepared for plumbing emergencies and preventing issues through proactive maintenance is the best approach. Contact Kenthurst Plumbing on 1300 XXX XXX to stay on top of your plumbing system. Investing in regular servicing is the smartest way to avoid costly plumbing emergencies.
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