Plumbing Quick Fixes, You Should Learn

• Post author:admin
• Post published:December 1, 2022
• Post category:A Better Plumber Blog

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Key Takeaways:

1. Plumbing emergencies can happen anytime, so being prepared is essential.
2. Common plumbing emergencies include burst pipes, leaks, and clogs.
3. You can fix most plumbing emergencies relatively quickly, but some may require the help of a professional.
4. Be sure to know the location of your shut-off valves in case of an emergency.
5. If you are unsure how to fix a plumbing issue, it’s always best to call a professional.

What do you do when your toilet overflows in the middle of the night? Or when your shower starts spewing water all over the bathroom floor? Plumbing emergencies can be notoriously tricky to deal with.

Unfortunately, plumbing problems never seem to happen at a convenient time. In this situation, making the most of your skills and getting a quick fix for the emergency is essential. Otherwise, it could result in far worse problems for your home.

A Better Plumber & Sewer offers some fixes for your plumbing problems that you can DIY until a professional plumbing repair is called. 

What is Plumbing Emergency?

Water damage is one of the most common – and costly – problems. In fact, according to the reports, water damage and freezing account for nearly one in every fifty insurance claims. Among the causes of water damage, faulty plumbing is the main one.

Water can wreak havoc on your home in several ways, so it’s essential to be prepared for anything.

A plumbing emergency is any situation that poses a risk of severe damage to your property and your family’s health. While some plumbing issues can wait for a residential plumber to repair, others must be fixed immediately to prevent further damage.

Some common examples of plumbing emergencies include:

• Burst pipes
• Clogged Drains
• Clogged Toilets
• Leaky Faucets
• Water Heater Issues

Quick Fixes for Plumbing Emergencies

These are some examples of what could go wrong in your home. You should stay calm and call a plumbing repair service if any of these occurs. In the meantime, here are a few quick fixes to some of the most common plumbing emergencies:

1. Burst Pipes

A burst pipe is when water gushes out of a pipe. Among plumbing emergencies, it’s the most common one. Burst pipes usually occur due to freezing temperatures. When water freezes, it expands and puts pressure on the pipes. It can cause them to crack or break.

If you’re dealing with a burst pipe, the first thing you should do is observe where the pipe supplies water to. If it’s a faucet, turn off the water to that faucet. If it’s the main line, you’ll have to shut off the entire water supply to your home.

Next, use epoxy and apply it to the outside of the pipe. It will temporarily hold the water in until a professional can come and fix it.

2. Clogged Drains

While water flowing in might not always be the issue, often, it is draining that becomes problematic. Clogged drains are another problem you may have to deal with. Clogs form from materials such as grease, hair, or other objects accidentally flushed down the toilets.

There are two ways to fix a clogged drain: with a plunger or with a snake. A plunger is a more common method as it’s less expensive and easier to use. Put the plunger over the drain and push and pull it until the clog is released.

If that doesn’t work, you can try using a snake. It is a long, flexible piece of metal that you insert into the drain. The snake will help break up the clog so water can flow freely. If that doesn’t work, it’s best to wait for the residential plumber to arrive. Until then, avoid using that sink, shower, or tub.

3. Clogged Toilet

Sometimes plumbing emergencies can be nasty, and when we mean nasty, we suggest a clogged toilet. Clogged toilets can occur for several reasons, such as too much toilet paper, baby wipes, or even accidentally flushed down toys.

If you have a plunger, start with that. If not, a snake will probably do the trick. Insert the snake into the toilet and move it around until the clog is released.

You’re most likely to resolve the issue. However, we advise you to call residential plumbers if you cannot fix it after a few attempts.

4. Leaky Pipe Joints

Drip, drip, drip… we’re sure you’ve heard that before. Leaky pipes are annoying and can also waste a lot of water and money if left unchecked. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that one leaky pipe dripping at one drip per second can waste 3,000 gallons of water. That equals about 180 showers.

The first thing you should do is turn off the valve that supplies water to the pipe. Next, measure the pipe circumference to get a rubber joint of the same size. After that, remove the old rubber joint, clean off debris from the pipe, and put the new rubber joint on. Put some plumber’s putty on one side of the new rubber joint and slide it into place. It can prevent water from leaking until the residential plumber arrive.

5. Water Heater Issues

With the arrival of winter, cold showers can be a nightmare. Sometimes water heaters can also malfunction. It could result in a low quantity of hot water or none at all.

If you’re faced with this situation, the first thing you should check is the circuit breaker. If it tripped, reset it and wait for the water heater to heat it again.

If that’s not the issue, the problem could be with the heating element or thermostat. These are located inside the water heater unit and can easily be repaired or replaced.

In some cases, the entire water heater may need to be replaced. It is generally only necessary if it is old or damaged beyond repair. Either way, it’s best to wait for the plumbing repair service to get it checked.

Also Read: Drain Clog Alert! When Should You Call A Plumber?

Conclusion

We hope you never have to face a plumbing emergency in your home. But if you do, now you know how to deal with it! Just remember to stay calm, turn off the water, and call a residential plumber as soon as possible.

If you’re looking for residential plumbing services in Round Lake, IL, consider A Better Plumber & Sewer. We’re professional plumbing services that can deal with residential and commercial plumbing. Our professionals can help you with any plumbing repair, big or small! Get in touch to get a free quote.

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