Plumbing emergencies can be scary when they happen so it is best to be prepared ahead of time with what steps to take. In case of an emergency, there are some things that you should do as well as some things you should not do. Use this primer of do’s and don’ts to help you be better prepared to handle your next plumbing emergency with ease.
DO’s of a Plumbing Emergency
In case of a plumbing emergency in your home or apartment, here is what you should do:
Shut off the water at the valve – To stop water from leaking, shut it off at the valve. This way, the situation will not get worse. With an appliance like a toilet, the water valve is located beneath the appliance and can be turned off by hand. With the case of a water main, you may need to contact your building’s maintenance.
Tell your Super – If you have a super, building manager, or management company, notify them right away. Check ahead of time to see if you will be using an outside plumbing service or have access to on-site maintenance services.
Call a Brooklyn plumber – To ensure the emergency is addressed quickly and correctly, contact a licensed master plumber like Aladdin Plumbing. The Brooklyn-based plumber Aladdin Plumbing has a 24 hour live answering service to handle your calls and weekend emergency hours, so you can get help when it is needed.
Mop up leaked water – Since water on the floor is a fall hazard and a fast way to damage your floors or carpeting, mop up leaked water as soon as possible. Mold grows quickly from water damage when it is not cleaned up properly. Avoid the mildew, the spores and the health issues associated with water damage, get that water up quickly.
DON’Ts of a Plumbing Emergency
Don’t try to handle it yourself – Small issues like a faucet washer are ok, but when it becomes a large plumbing emergency call a professional. Even if you are handy, don’t try to resolve a large plumbing emergency yourself just to save a few dollars. There is the possibility that you could make matters worse and necessitate a more expensive repair. The additional damage you cause might not be covered by the current insurance policies.
Don’t ignore it – It seems silly but some people will ignore a leak in their kitchen or bathroom and just place a bucket underneath the leak to catch dripping water. Water has a tendency to see the path of least resistance. This means once the leak starts it is only a matter of time before the pipe fails. When the system is leaking badly, you cannot afford to ignore it.
Don’t hire amateurs – A plumbing emergency professional has hundreds of hours of experience handling plumbing emergencies. As licensed and insured professionals, they can ensure peace of mind. Having pro’s that can keep a cool head and apply their trade can make all the difference.
To get help with your next emergency, or for any day-to-day Brooklyn plumbing needs, contact Aladdin Plumbing today!