6 Dos & Don’ts of Dealing with Plumbing Emergencies

Plumbing emergencies can happen anytime. And despite taking all the preventative measures and precautions to make sure that your plumbing system is in great condition, not all plumbing emergencies can be prevented. So you must know the dos and don’ts during plumbing emergencies.

But you must know first what a plumbing emergency looks like so you can take immediate action to prevent further damage. Examples of plumbing emergencies include leaking taps and pipes, blocked drains, frozen or burst pipes, running toilets, waste smells, and gas leaks.

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As a rule of thumb, you must call a professional plumber whenever you encounter any of these plumbing issues or if you notice any water damage with an unknown source. So make sure to hire an emergency plumber in Melbourne whom you can call when these situations arise.

Here are things you must do and avoid to help you get through any plumbing emergency situation.

1. Do stay calm

Staying calm is easier said than done. When you are faced with plumbing emergencies, most people tend to panic. But panicking will make things worse because it will cloud your judgement.

Instead, aim to take several deep breaths and collect your thoughts. By doing your best to stay calm, you can cope with any stressful emergencies that will come your way.

2. Don’t forget to switch off the water supply

Shutting off the water supply is the next thing you must do after calming your mind. If you are facing a huge plumbing emergency, switch off the main water supply immediately. Otherwise, you just have to do a local shut off, perhaps under the sink or behind the toilet.

It is for this reason that before you settle in your home, you should know where the water mains tap is located so you can switch it off before water leaks can cause more damage to your property.

3. Do remember to call a plumber

Most homeowners forget to call a plumber because they become preoccupied during a plumbing emergency. But calling an emergency plumber right away will significantly reduce the extent of water damage.

Reputable and well-trained plumbers will inform you if the situation is too dangerous. And when they tell you to leave your property immediately, listen to them. This can save your life, especially during a gas leak. Don’t try to retrieve some of your items because your life is far more valuable than any of your things.

4. Do have an emergency plumbing kit at home

If the emergency is not life-threatening, your plumber might give you some tips to control the leaks and minimise the damage while waiting for them to arrive. So making sure to have an emergency plumbing kit at home is important. Generally, this must include the following:

• Plunger – You must have a separate plunger for your toilet and for kitchen sinks.
• Gloves – Disposable gloves will protect yourself from dealing with messy drain lines and toilets.
• Bucket – A five-gallon bucket is helpful when dealing with leaking taps and pipes. Place it under the pipe or tap you are working on.
• Flashlight – This will make your life a lot easier when inspecting your plumbing system, especially in dark places. And don’t forget to have extra fresh batteries as well in case your
• flashlight dies when you need it.
• Tapes – Keep Teflon tape on hand to prevent leaks, especially when changing your tap. Duct tape is also useful to seal up leaks in drain lines temporarily.
• Tools – You should have at least several adjustable wrenches to help you tighten or loosen pipe junctions and valves. Screwdrivers and Phillips are beneficial as well.

This plumbing kit is a lifesaver in case you are faced with minor plumbing issues. Still, it is highly recommended that you call a professional plumber to assess your plumbing system and deal with any identified problem instantly. This way, you will have peace of mind that your taps and pipes are in great condition.

5. Don’t use tools without proper knowledge

Despite being advised by your plumber to do things to control the problem, don’t try to use tools you are not familiar with. An attempt to use the complicated tools can lead to further damage and injuries. So just stick with those you know how to use or just wait for the plumber to arrive.

6. Do protect your items from water damage

In addition to dealing with plumbing emergencies before the plumbers arrive, to protect your home and other items, you must also remove everything from the affected area or cover them with plastic. These immediate efforts will not just protect your goods from the actual water damage, but also from the mould and related health risks of plumbing emergencies.

Plumbing emergencies are disastrous events that can occur at any time. When left unaddressed, they can lead to significant damage to your property, family, and even to the environment. So the moment you notice any problem with your plumbing system, call a professional plumber immediately.

Here at Blue Diamond Plumbing, our plumbers have been dealing with different plumbing issues for years. We are experts not just in general plumbing, but also in gas fitting, welding, irrigation, drainage, lead working, air conditioning, repair and replacement of downpipes and gutters, and earthmoving. Moreover, we can retrofit your plumbing system with eco-friendly and energy-efficient products to minimise environmental impact and running costs.

So if your taps or pipes are leaking or your drainage system is blocked, don’t wait for a disaster to happen. Instead, call our experts in plumbing emergencies now!