A plumbing emergency can be terrifying. Standing ankle-deep in water in your basement or watching a toilet overflow is a special kind of horror.
Ignoring small repairs can quickly lead to big repairs. The best advice, for the sake of your home and your wallet, is to call a plumber when you notice anything out of the ordinary. But you can’t always see the small issues at first, and any problem can grow into an emergency.
Emergency plumbers are experienced in their industry and can quickly handle any situation. Here is a guide to dealing with plumbing emergencies, courtesy of your friends at Lynn’s in Winnipeg.
What Should I Do During a Plumbing Emergency?
Alongside calling a plumber, there are steps you can take as a homeowner to protect your property. Whether you’re dealing with a burst pipe, a clogged drain, or a leaking water heater, you can take these measures during this trying and unexpected situation.
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
It’s important to approach a plumbing emergency calmly and logically. The wrong move can lead to further damage and higher repair bills. Observe the situation to determine the severity of the issue. Is it a minor leak or a major pipe burst? Evaluating your surroundings will allow you to decide on your next course of action.
Shut Off the Water
Turning off the water supply is essential during an emergency to prevent further plumbing problems. Find your home’s shut-off valve and close it to stop the water flow. Knowing the location beforehand can save you time during emergencies. If the problem is with a fixture, such as a sink or a toilet, you can shut off the supply to that specific fixture.
Protect Your Property
Water damage can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Unfortunately, it’s possible during plumbing emergencies, but there are steps you can take to protect your belongings and minimize further damage. Move furniture, electronics and other valuable items away from the affected area. Use towels, buckets, or a wet/dry vacuum if there is a large accumulation of water.
Call a Professional Plumber
It’s important to call an emergency plumber from a reputable company for emergency service. Contact the professionals from Lynn’s in Winnipeg. With expert knowledge and specialized tools, one of our plumbers will come to your doorstep to perform the necessary repairs. Our team is available 24 hours, seven days a week, ready to help customers with various repairs.
Document and Take Photos
Before beginning repairs or cleanups, document the damage by taking clear photographs. The documentation will assist with insurance claims and can serve as evidence of the extent of the emergency. Remember to record all the details, including the date and time of the incident.
Address Minor Issues
While waiting for help to arrive, you can address minor issues that do not require professional knowledge. For example, you can use plumber’s tape as a patch to temporarily stop the flow of a minor leak. Keep in mind this is only to prevent further damage while waiting for a plumber. A professional from Lynn’s in Winnipeg can assess and repair the plumbing problem.
Take Preventative Measures
After the job is done and the plumbing issues are resolved, you can take measures to prevent future plumbing emergencies. Regularly inspect your plumbing system. Look for signs of leaks or corrosion and listen for unusual noises. Additionally, you should maintain proper drain hygiene by avoiding disposing of grease, hair, or other debris down drains. Installing water leak detectors and an automatic shut-off valve can also be helpful.
What Should I Do After a Plumbing Emergency?
A plumbing company came and dealt with the damage. What’s next? Whether it was a backed-up drain, or a burst pipe you can take these additional steps.
Communicate With Your Insurance Provider
After resolving the plumbing emergency, contact your insurance provider to report the incident. You should provide the necessary documentation, such as photographs and a detailed description of the damage. In turn, the claims process will begin so that you can receive the required coverage for repairs and restoration.
Follow Proper Cleanup and Restoration Procedures
Depending on the situation, you may require cleanup and restoration efforts. Water damage should be addressed immediately to prevent mould growth and further structural issues. Consider hiring water damage restoration experts who specialize in drying, dehumidifying, and restoring affected areas. Professionals have the necessary equipment and expertise to ensure thorough cleanup and minimize long-term damage.
Learn From the Experience
Despite the stress they can cause, plumbing emergencies can be valuable learning experiences. It would be best if you took the time to understand what caused the situation and what could have been done to prevent it. Aging pipes, lack of maintenance, or improper usage can cause such problems. Knowing the underlying causes can allow you to avoid similar incidents in the future.
Get Regular Plumbing Maintenance
Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your pipe system and prevent future problems. Schedule routine inspections with a plumber from Lynn’s in Winnipeg to catch issues before they worsen. Your plumber can assess the condition of pipes, fixtures and other appliances and perform the necessary repairs.
Educate Yourself and Other Household Members
Share your knowledge of plumbing emergencies with your family members. Everyone living with you should know the main water shut-off valve’s location and the steps to take during plumbing emergencies. Teach your family members about plumbing systems, their limitations, and proper usage to keep your system running smoothly even longer.
Plumbing emergencies are unexpected and can happen at any time. However, knowing the correct steps will help you navigate them. With a professional plumber by your side, you’ll know what questions to ask and have your plumbing emergency resolved in time.
Are you having plumbing issues? Call Lynn’s in Winnipeg. We specialize in hot water tank service, sewer and drain cleaning, sump pumps, water heater repair, and shower and toilet installation.
Greetings, I’m Dallas. I’m a small business owner living in Winnipeg, MB, Canada and operate Lynn’s HVAC Winnipeg: Heating Cooling Sewer & Drain.
Lynn’s HVAC Winnipeg plumbing, heating, cooling is a small family owned and operated business since 1980. We pride ourselves on quality work completed by licensed technicians. We believe our outstanding customer service sets us apart from other Winnipeg residential plumbing, heating and cooling companies. Experience the difference and be a part of the Lynn’s family! “We provide comfort at your door!”
Services we provide:
– HVAC repair, – AC repair & install, – Furnace repair & install, – Hot water tanks, – Water heaters, – Clogged drains & sewage, – Plumbing
Areas we serve:
Winnipeg, Oakbank, Beausejour, La Salle, Ile Des Chênes, Stonewall, Niverville, Gimli, Ste. Francois Xavier, Landmark, Selkirk, Steinbach, Stony Mountain, Winnipeg Beach, Lorette & More!
