When it comes to plumbing, there is almost always something that unexpectedly goes wrong. From frozen pipes to clogged drains, problems with your pipes can be scary. A plumbing emergency can easily turn into a full-blown nightmare if not handled correctly. Luckily, with the right advice and tools in hand, you can prevent these issues from becoming full-blown disasters. Working as a plumber means you'll encounter plenty of plumbing crises, so it's important to have emergency tips at the ready to fix the problem quickly and effectively. No matter how experienced you are as a homeowner with everyday plumbing issues, there will always be something new to learn. Here are a few tips for handling common plumbing emergencies as a plumber.
Know when to call the plumber.
You’ll want to call a plumber if you see a problem that can’t be handled by anyone who doesn’t have the proper training. For example, if you smell gas or suspect there has been a gas leak, it is imperative that you call a professional. If you smell gas, shut off the main gas line at the meter and call your gas company from a phone that is not in the same room as the gas line. If you smell gas coming from a pipe, it could be a sign of a serious problem. Likewise, if you see any signs of sewer back-up, you’ll want to call a professional as soon as possible.
Check for leaks before turning on the water.
Leaks are extremely common and can become even more frequent if you have a new faucet or shower head installed. In addition, if you’re dealing with frozen pipes, you might also see a small drip coming from the faucet or showerhead. This is a tell-tale sign of a leaking pipe and can be prevented with a simple plastic sleeve. If you notice that your water bill has gone up or you don't have the same amount of water that you usually have, that could be a sign that you have a leak somewhere. To test for leaks, shut off the water in your house and then check for any signs of water damage.
When you have frozen pipes, turn off the main water supply and thaw them out.
Some of the most common plumbing emergencies are related to frozen pipes. If you have a pipe that has frozen, you should shut off the water supply to the house and then wait for the freeze to thaw out. It might take a few hours, but this will help you avoid water damage. If you have a long pipe that is near the ground and you think it's frozen, you can use a blow dryer to warm the pipe and thaw it out. If you have a short pipe that is above the ground, you can break it with a shovel and then thaw the pipe out with warm water. If you have a long pipe that is outside, you can break it with a shovel and then thaw it out with warm water.
Use a snake to clear a clogged toilet and drains.
If you have a clogged toilet or a blocked drain, you’ll want to use a snake to unclog it. If you don’t have a snake, you can break up the clog with a plunger or a shovel. To use a snake, you’ll need to shut off the main water supply to the house. Next, you’ll need to open the main sewer access. Then, you’ll need to feed the snake into the main sewer line. If you have a clogged toilet, you’ll want to feed the snake into the toilet bowl. If you have a clogged kitchen sink or a bathroom sink, you’ll want to feed the snake into the trap (or pipe leading to the sink). If you have a clogged bathroom or laundry sink, you’ll want to feed the snake into the trap under the sink.
Know the difference between a shut-off valve and a pipe wrench.
If a pipe has frozen and you need to break it, you’ll want to use a pipe wrench to avoid damaging the pipe. However, you don’t want to use a pipe wrench on a shut-off valve. Shut-off valves are found on water pipes that lead to appliances like the washing machine or the dishwasher. If these pipes have frozen, you’ll need to turn the water off at the main water supply and then shut off the shut-off valve. If you have a faucet or a toilet that has frozen, you can usually unclog it by thawing it out and then gently banging it with a hammer. If you have frozen pipes that are in the walls, you’ll want to hire a plumber.
Bottom line
The bottom line is that no matter how experienced you are with plumbing, there will always be something new to learn. With the tips above, you will be well prepared to handle any plumbing crisis that comes your way. A plumber is an excellent resource for anyone who needs advice on handling a plumbing emergency or just wants to know more about how to use a plunger or a snake.