Life always happens, and at times, it includes emergency plumbing problems that unfortunately cause leaks and other unforeseen problems. It could be a problem as seamless as an overflowing toilet or even a more drastic emergency, such as a ruptured pipe. Either way, it is to your benefit to know how to respond right away to help avoid additional damage to your home.
Water Heater Leak or Malfunction
Water heaters are some of the most dependable household appliances. They often times work around the clock to maintain water temperatures so you have access to hot water, but sometimes they don’t work right or develop a leak. Perhaps you hear popping or banging sounds, or suddenly have only lukewarm or cold water. Should you discover a leaking water heater, or one that malfunctions suddenly, you should try and act right away.
- For this emergency plumbing situation, the first thing to do is turn off the circuit breaker that supplies electricity to the appliance. Next, it would be smart to turn off the water supply to the water heater.
- Most water heaters incorporate a shut-off valve located on top or near the unit. Turning off the water will help relieve water pressure on the tank and slow the leaking.
- Finally, soak up any standing water that has leaked from the tank to reduce water damage to your home until the plumber arrives.
Ruptured Pipes
Most Long Beach Plumbers will tell you that if a pipe ruptures, you must quickly turn off the main water supply to the home. A majority of the time, there is a shut-off valve located on the home’s exterior where the main water supply comes into the home.
If not, you must locate the water meter and turn it off there. Water meters are generally housed in a concrete or metal box located close to the street. Owners of private wells will discover the shut-off valve located close to their pump. Moreover, well owners should also turn off the power supply to their pump.
Seeping Septic Tank
If you begin to notice standing water over your septic tank, chances are you are that you are most likely having trouble with your sewage system. To prevent additional damage to your drain field and septic tank system, it is highly suggest that you call your local Long Beach Plumbing contractor right away.
Overflowing or Running Toilet
Toilets quite often get clogged, causing it to back up and even overflow at times, spewing sewage or effluent onto your bathroom floor. Furthermore, sometimes the flushing mechanism can malfunction, causing the toilet to keep filling. Other than using a plunger, you must stop water from coming through the toilet tank by turning off its shut-off valve. Generally, the valve is located just behind the toilet base, and turning it clockwise will turn it off.