Plumbing emergencies can happen at any time, day or night, and sometimes without any warning signs. Whether you're renting a home or own it and whether the home is new or old, you'll encounter some plumbing problem at some point. Knowing the steps to take, however, can minimize damage and save you a great deal of trouble.
Where is Your Water Shut-Off Valve?
One of the most important things you should do when you move into a home is locate the main shut-off valve. If you get city water, it's probably near your water meter or by an exerior access area in your crawlspace. If you get water from a well, it's most likely near the well pump itself. If you're facing a plumbing emergency, you'll need to shut off the water supply and then call a professional Riverside plumber to fix the problem.
Is Hot Water Leaking from a Supply Line?
If you have hot water leaking from a faucet or supply line, start by turning off the main water supply and remember that the hot water tank will drain, too. You must turn off the breaker to cut off electricity to your water heater because, once the water drains, your heating element will burn out.
Do You Have an Overflowing Toilet?
This is a very common problem and the best way to prevent an overflow is catching it as soon as possible. If you see the water level in the toilet is getting too high, quickly turn on the cold water in a nearby bathtub. This may slow the water enough. Next, shut off the water at the supply line near the floor by the toilet so the clog can be fixed.
Is Your Toilet Running?
It's not uncommon for your flush mechanism to suddenly fail and cause the water to keep running or make the toilet flush on its own later. Fix this problem by turning off your water supply valve near the toilet and adjusting or replacing the flush mechanism. If you aren't sure what to do, call a professional plumber.
Are Your Pipes Frozen?
Finally, frozen pipes are one of the biggest reasons for panic among homeowners as they leave you without water and you face potential damage if the pipe bursts. Carefully use a space heater or even a hair dryer to thaw the pipes but don't leave a heater unattended. You should only leave the heater near the pipes for 10-15 minutes at a time and leave the nearby faucets open so the water can escape as it thaws.
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