In the current climate of social distancing, isolation and lockdown, it might not be as easy to get a plumber or engineer to tend to your plumbing emergency (especially if it is ‘minor’) at the minute. If help is going to take some time, there are some things that you can do to manage the situation until such time as a professional can sort it out:
Firstly, take action!
- Turn off the water – if it’s a minor emergency, shutting off the water supply in that particular area will do the job but if you’re uncertain as to the seriousness of the problem, it’s best to turn off the main valve that brings water into the house.
- Turn off the water heater – you’ll do this if you’re dealing with a major emergency, in order to prevent overheating and subsequent bursting of the valve. If you have a gas water heater, the gas should be turned off first.
- Manage small leaks – by stuffing rags or old towels into the leaky apparatus or close it with plumber’s tape if you have any to hand. Use buckets to collect water if necessary.
- Drain excess water – even after turning off water valves, there will still be water lurking in the pipes. Water can be drained from these pipes and away from your home by opening up any spigots outside the house. If water is clogged, a plunger wills sometimes do the trick!
Secondly, get advice!
- Call your plumber to find out what to do next. A professional will be able to assess the nature of your emergency and either recommend an immediate repair job or advise measures you can take in the interim, until such a time as your emergency can be resolved.
Thirdly, follow the advice!
- Having a trusted tradesperson on your speed dial is always beneficial. If, however, you are uncertain about the advice you have been given, get a second opinion…and a third, if necessary.
Some examples of a plumbing emergency might be:
- Dripping taps
- Leaking pipes
- Extremely hot water
- Frozen pipes
- Leaking water heater
- Clogs and plugs
- Toilet problems
- Waste smells
- Gas leak
- Burst pipes
- Sump pump failure
- Clogged drains and bath tubs
- Leaking hoses of washing machines
- Broken water lines
- Broken downpipes, roofs and gutters
An absolute top tip in a plumbing emergency is not to panic. Act decisively and calmly, and if help cannot come immediately there are professionals on standby to advise you.
For all your plumbing and installation needs, feel free to contact the team at AACooper on 01689 485007 or info@aacooper.co.uk – we’re happy to help.
Source: Emergency Plumber London
