Texans serving Texas since 1950

Call Us Now:

Austin Metro (512) 246-5400
San Antonio (210) 651-1212
Temple (254) 773-7175
New Braunfels (830) 627-2211

Emergency Plumbing Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

From non-stop leaking faucets to a leaking water heater, there are several emergency plumbing tips every homeowner needs to know. These tips let you know what to do to contain the problem and protect your home against water damages.

You will need to know the location of your breaker box and where the water main shutoff for your home is located. Depending on the type of plumbing emergency that arises, you may need to shut off the water to the home as well as the breakers for specific types of appliances.

Emergency Plumbing Tips Every Homeowner

Broken Water Pipes

Water pipes can break for a variety of reasons. If you have a broken water pipe, you need to shut off the water main right away. Turn on the faucets in the house to remove as much water as possible. You want to also clean up any standing water that is inside the home. Remember to shut off breakers for the hot water heater, water softener, and so on.

Leaking Water Pipes

Leaking water pipes can do more damage to the home than broken pipes. This is because leaks can be harder to notice. By the time you do, water could have gotten into insulation, wood, and other areas of the home not easily accessible.

You will want to shut off the water main and drain all water out of the pipes like you would for a broken pipe if you do not know the source of the leak. If the leak is coming from a specific location, like from under the dishwasher, you may only have to shut the water off under the kitchen sink. Additionally, if the leak is related to a water-type appliance, shut off the breaker to that appliance.

Plumbing

Leaking Toilets

Shut off the water to the toilet and flush it to drain the tank and bowel as best you can. It is a good idea to put buckets under the leak or use towels to keep water contained, as there will still be some water left in the toilet.

Leaking Faucets

Shut off the water under the sink or in the tub/shower access area to the leaking faucet. Turn it on to drain out any remaining water.

Leaking Hot Water Heaters

For this problem, shut off the water main into the home. Turn off the hot water heater breaker. Then, turn on both hot and cold faucets to drain most of the water out of the pipes and the tank. Your water heater should have a drain pan under it with a connected drain. Any remaining water should remain contained and go down the drain.

Clogged Toilets and Sinks

Try using the appropriate plunger to unclog the blockage. Do not flush the toilet or add more water to the sink. If you choose to use a clog-removal product, verify it is compatible with your plumbing system.

After taking the necessary steps to address the plumbing emergency, call your nearest Christianson Air Conditioning and Plumbing location in Austin, New Braunfels, San Antonio, or Temple for emergency plumbing services.

Tags: ,

Sorry, comments for this entry are closed at this time.


Copyright © 2024 Plumbing & Air Conditioning Company - Austin, TX

Licenses M-18631, M-18632, LI15740, TACLA023749C

Regulated by The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

P.O. Box 12157, Austin, Texas 78711, 1-800-803-9202, 512-463-6599, Website: http://www.tdlr.texas.gov