Plumbing Emergencies
If you experience a plumbing emergency as in all emergencies the first rule is to stay calm. Always have a good knoweldge of where the main and sub main shutoff valves are. keep them uncluttered with easy access.
Locating the main water shutoff valve in a plumbing emergency is discussed in previous writings. Shutoff valves for fixtures and appliances secondary shutoffs) can usually be found underneath sinks and toilets and behind clothes washers, water heaters and other appliances.
If the emergency is limited to a specific appliance or fixture, look for its shutoff valve and close the valve by turning clockwise. Turn off the main shutoff valve if the problem is a leaking pipe or if there is no shutoff valve for the particular fixture or appliance. The main shutoff valve is typically located in a utility room. If you are renting make sure it is clear with your landlord where this is located.
Leaks
If a pipe leaks or breaks or if a joint should loosen, turn off the main shutoff valve to prevent water damage. If you turn off the main water supply, turn off your hot water heater by turning off the circuit breakers and the gas supply to the hot water heater. Failure to do so can cause the hot water heater to overheat, damage the heating elements and injure anyone who unknowingly turns on a hot water faucet.
If a pipe leaks or breaks or if a joint should loosen, turn off the main shutoff valve to prevent water damage. If you turn off the main water supply, turn off your hot water heater by turning off the circuit breakers and the gas supply to the hot water heater. Failure to do so can cause the hot water heater to overheat, damage the heating elements and injure anyone who unknowingly turns on a hot water faucet.
Next, call a plumber or make
temporary repairs yourself to stop the leak. Have the pipe replaced or the
joint resoldered when it is convenient for a professional plumber to do so.
If your washing machine, dishwasher
or other water-using appliance appears to leak, first check to see that the
trap through which the appliance drains is completely open. Sometimes a
partially-clogged drain can cause an overflow within the appliance. If the
drain is clear, consult the appropriate appliance repair person.
Frozen Pipes
Pipe insulation and freeze-resistant outside faucets are available to reduce the risk of freezing. Even with these products, problems can still occur.
If a pipe should freeze, thaw the pipe slowly with a hair dryer or towels soaked in hot water. Heating the pipe slowly may prevent the pipe from breaking. Do not heat the pipe with a torch. This has been the cause of many fires.
To prevent frozen pipes, drain water from outdoor faucets and pipes, remove and store outdoor hoses and never leave your home unheated during cold weather.
Pipe insulation and freeze-resistant outside faucets are available to reduce the risk of freezing. Even with these products, problems can still occur.
If a pipe should freeze, thaw the pipe slowly with a hair dryer or towels soaked in hot water. Heating the pipe slowly may prevent the pipe from breaking. Do not heat the pipe with a torch. This has been the cause of many fires.
To prevent frozen pipes, drain water from outdoor faucets and pipes, remove and store outdoor hoses and never leave your home unheated during cold weather.
Faucet Malfunction
If a faucet won’t shut off, turn off the water at the shutoff valve underneath the sink immediately. If there is no valve, turn off the main water supply shutoff valve. Call a plumber or repair the faucet yourself. There are a number of plumbing repair books on the market for do-it-yourselfers.
If a faucet won’t shut off, turn off the water at the shutoff valve underneath the sink immediately. If there is no valve, turn off the main water supply shutoff valve. Call a plumber or repair the faucet yourself. There are a number of plumbing repair books on the market for do-it-yourselfers.
If you have an emergency contact a plumber as soon as possible to minimize any damage that may be done.
Paul Vadnais Plumbing
651-429-8908
651-231-0944
Plumbers North Saint Paul, Plumbers White Bear Lake, Plumbers Mahtomedi, Plumbers Oakdale, Plumbers Grant, Plumbers Hugo, Plumbers,
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