Plumbing emergencies never happen at a good time. Just this morning I realized that I had no hot water and today was not a good day for an emergency plumbing repair. Here are a few tips to help you prevent an emergency plumbing call and save money too.
Keep an eye out for trouble. When it comes to plumbing, little leaks don’t fix themselves. The only get bigger and can lead to emergency leaks and property damage. Here are some things to look for and repair when noticed: Leaking faucets, damp cabinets, rocking toilets or dripping refrigerators all signal problems that need prompt attention.
Repair problems early. Again a leaking faucet won’t fix itself; the moisture it releases puts wear on sink fixtures and can encourage the growth of mold and mildew. Make repairs fast to keep the household clean and dry.
Know where to go when trouble happens. Should plumbing fail, will you know how to shut the water off? Know where the main shut-off valve for the home water supply is located, test it occasionally so you know how to use it and that it works. There’s nothing like the frustration of a misplaced shut-off key when water’s pouring down the stairs from a broken pipe. Make sure everyone living in the home knows how to shut the water off too. Knowing how to shut the water off can save you the expense of calling a 24 hour plumbing service out in the middle of the night.
Shutting off appliances. You and everyone in your home should know how to shut off water to sinks, toilets, washing machines and water-using appliances. These valves should also be tested on a regular basis to assure that they are functioning properly. Knowing this will save the day and a lot of wet cleanup.
