Sometimes, a water leak begins slow and steady. While this may be an annoying problem to discover, it at least gives you ample opportunity to have a plumber come out and fix it before it becomes a bigger, more expensive issue.
Unfortunately, the signs of a water leak don’t always emerge gradually. Sometimes, the first sign is a sudden pool of water gushing from an appliance and flooding everything in the vicinity. In this scenario, your first move should be to call an emergency plumber. But what should you do while you wait for them to arrive? Here are a few important steps you can take to minimize damage.
Shut off the water supply.
The biggest thing to do in an emergency plumbing situation is to stop the flow of water to prevent more damage. After you’ve called the plumber, head to the main water valve (usually located next to the water meter) and turn off the supply.
Turn off electrical appliances.
Water and electricity do not mix, for obvious reasons. You don’t want a flood to turn into a fire or explosion, or to damage any of your appliances or electrical system. To be safe, cut off all electricity to your house at the fuse box. If your water heater runs on gas instead of electric, you should turn off the gas line too. When your water is turned off, heat and pressure can build up in the heater and damage the tank.
Drains sinks and faucets.
Any water left in your pipes and appliances after turning off the water supply can still cause damage. Drain the lines by opening your faucets and outdoor spigots to release leftover water. You should also turn off and drain any appliances that use water if you haven’t already (dish washer, washing machine, etc.).
Clean as much excess water as you can.
If you leave water cleanup until after the plumber arrives, you’re going to end up with more damage to your flooring, walls, appliances, furniture, and other household items. You can minimize water damage and associated repair costs by cleaning as much as possible before your plumber gets there. This will also make it easier for them to get around and identify the issue.
For homeowners who live in the Riverside, CA area, Superior Integrated Services is here to help with your emergency plumbing needs. Our emergency leak repair specialists are available day and night, 7 days a week to respond to your plumbing emergency and fix the problem expertly.
To learn more about or enlist our emergency leak repair services, call us at 951-442-5339!
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