Plumbing emergencies can strike at any time, leaving homeowners in a state of panic and the potential for major water damage.
From burst pipes to severe leaks or backed-up sewer lines, these situations require immediate attention from professional plumbers.
If this happens to you, where would you turn? Here we look at the importance of having access to emergency plumbing services in your area. Being prepared for potential situations can make all the difference in minimising any damage and restoring your plumbing system quickly.
Plumbing emergencies can be inconvenient and disruptive, but they don't have to be. By being prepared and by finding a reliable plumber, you can minimise the impact of a plumbing emergency on your life.
If you do experience a plumbing emergency, it's important to act quickly. A small leak can quickly turn into a major flood, and a burst pipe can cause extensive damage.
· Stay calm. It's important to stay calm in an emergency situation. This will help you think clearly and make better decisions.
· Do not touch anything that is wet or electrical. This could lead to a shock or electrocution.
· Call a plumber immediately. A plumber will be able to assess the damage and fix the problem quickly and safely.
Once you’re in a position to do so, take pictures or videos of the damage. This will help you document the problem and make it easier to get reimbursed by your insurance company.
· Keep Contact Information Handy: Keep your contact information for a reliable plumber handy. You should have the name, address, and phone number of a plumber that you trust saved in your phone or on a piece of paper in your home. This will make it easy to get in touch with them if you have a problem.
· Familiarise Yourself with the Shut-off Valves: Locate the main shut-off valve for your water supply and ensure that it is in good working condition. In the event of a major plumbing emergency, shutting off the water supply can prevent further damage until professional help arrives. Not being able to shut off the water is a common issue. You don’t want to find out the stop-cock or valve has seized up just at the moment you need it most.
· Educate Household Members: Teach everyone in your household about basic plumbing emergency procedures, such as locating and shutting off individual fixture shut-off valves and knowing who to call for emergency assistance. Remember, if an emergency is happening you can’t stop it, but you can help to reduce the impact as much as possible.
· Learn some basic plumbing skills: It may be enough to help reduce the impact before an emergency plumber can get out. There are a few simple plumbing problems that you can temporarily fix yourself, such as a clogged drain or a leaking tap. Keep a plunger and other basic plumbing tools on hand. This will allow you to take care of minor problems yourself. A plunger is a must-have for clearing clogged toilets, and a basic tool kit can be used to fix minor leaks and other problems. If you’re not confident, then leave it to the professionals.
Unfortunately, plumbing emergencies often involve water escaping and that can cause damage to escalate if it’s not addressed promptly. Having access to emergency plumbing services ensures that help is just a phone call away, reducing the risk of extensive damage to your home.
Certain plumbing emergencies, such as sewage backups, can pose health and safety hazards. In these cases, professional plumbers with expertise in handling such situations can quickly mitigate risks and safeguard your household. They’ll be equipped with specialised tools and have the necessary expertise to address complex issues efficiently. It’s here, in the peak of the crisis, that the experience and training enable professionals to diagnose problems accurately and provide effective solutions quickly.
Remember, experienced plumbers will have seen it all before. It means that you’re in the hands of someone who, while you’re feeling the stress of it all, can look at your situation objectively and get to the root of the problem quickly.
Whether it’s an emergency or not, the plumbing provider you choose should have proper experience and the qualifications where necessary to carry out the work you need. For example, Able Group engineers have professional certification where required and meet the industry standards for carrying out any work. This provides you with peace of mind knowing you are dealing with professionals.
You should also check that your plumber offers round-the-clock availability. Emergencies can occur at any time, including evenings, weekends, or holidays. A reliable company should be available whenever you need them.
Consider the response times too. A prompt response is crucial during plumbing emergencies to minimise damage. Look for companies that deliver quick response times. Imagine the scenario if you can’t shut off the water until a professional arrives?
Read online reviews and testimonials from previous customers to gauge the quality of service. Positive feedback and satisfied customers are indicative of reliable and trustworthy emergency plumbers.
Preventative maintenance helps keep your plumbing system in tip top shape, reducing the chance of emergencies.
Cleaning your drains regularly will help prevent clogs. You can use a plunger to clear a clog, or you can use a chemical drain cleaner. Chemical drain cleaners need care, so call in the professionals. A trained professional plumber uses specialised equipment to clean your drains and remove any clogs. This can help to prevent backups and overflows.
Another job for the professionals is flushing your heating system at proper intervals. This will help prevent sediment build up, which can reduce the efficiency of your heating system and even cause it to malfunction.
Even a small leak can waste a lot of water over time. If you see a leak, tighten the connections or replace the faucet or showerhead as needed.
And avoid putting grease and oil down the drain, which can solidify and cause clogs. Instead, pour grease and oil into a container and dispose of it in the rubbish.
Similarly, don't flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet. Hygiene products, nappies, wipes and other items can clog your toilet. Bin them instead.
Plumbing emergencies can occur unexpectedly, causing significant damage and inconvenience. By understanding the importance of emergency plumbing services and being prepared, homeowners can mitigate risks, minimise damage, and restore their plumbing system efficiently.
Choosing a reliable plumbing service in your area and creating an emergency preparedness plan will give you peace of mind, knowing that professional help is just a phone call away when you need it the most. Remember, being proactive can make a significant difference in navigating plumbing emergencies successfully.
Preventative maintenance can help to save you money on repairs and replacements, not just on pipes, but around the house too. If you are concerned about the condition of your plumbing, or any other part of your home, please contact Able Group on 0330 108 4111. We’re here 24/7 and can help in emergencies, or if you just need a reliable maintenance service to help around your home.