Tips for Plumbing Emergencies ^Featured

Ever come home to a broken pipe or a major leak? There’s never a good time for a plumbing emergency, but in an instance where a problem arises, you should be familiar with a few quick fixes. Follow the tips below to keep the mess under control until the plumber gets there:

In case of a leak, know where the main water shut-off valve is located. This will allow you to turn off the flow of water to prevent major water damage. Heavy duty paper towels or rags will help to clean up the water until the plumber gets there to fix the problem.

“Backing off” will allow your plumbing system to maintain its integrity. In order to keep the stress off of your plumbing, use two wrenches at once, turning in opposite directions.

How can you temporarily fix a cracked or burst pipe? Duct tape or pipe sealing tape will help pull the crack together, but again, this is only a temporary solution. Call in a plumber for a permanent fix.

Have a clogged toilet or sink drain? A cup plunger can be used to solve the problem. They have a funnel that applies extra force down the drain, which is useful for sinks or toilets. As a reminder, any time you use a plunger of any kind, you’re putting extra force on your pipes. This can cause the pipes to crack or shift, and can break seals. We suggest calling an expert plumber, who can clear the drain in the safest way possible for your plumbing.

The next time you experience a plumbing emergency, think fast! Call ABC Southwest Plumbing & Air Conditioning and we’ll be there to fix the problem!