 |
During plumbing
emergencies, the first step is to stop the flow of water immediately. Do
this by turning off the main water shutoff valve or the shutoff valve for
the particular fixture or appliance. You and each member of your family
should know the location of these shutoff valves. |
| Locate the main
water shutoff valve. Inform all household members where it is at & how to
operate it. Shutoff valves for fixtures and appliances can usually be found
underneath sinks and toilets and behind clothes washers, above water heaters
and near other appliances. |
| If the
emergency is limited to a specific appliance or fixture, look for its
shutoff valve and close the valve by turning clockwise. Turn off the main
shutoff valve if the problem is a leaking pipe or if there is no shutoff
valve for the particular fixture or appliance. |
Leaks:
| If a pipe leaks or breaks or if a joint should loosen, turn off the main
shutoff valve to prevent water damage. If you turn off the main water
supply, turn off your hot water heater by turning off the circuit breakers
and the gas supply to the hot water heater. Failure to do so can cause the
hot water heater to overheat, damage the heating elements and injure anyone
who unknowingly turns on a hot water faucet. |
| Next, call a
plumber or make temporary repairs yourself to stop the leak. Have the pipe
replaced or the joint re-soldered when it is convenient for a professional
plumber to do so. |
| If your washing
machine, dishwasher or other water-using appliance appears to leak, first
check to see that the trap through which the appliance drains is completely
open. Sometimes a partially-clogged drain can cause an overflow within the
appliance. If the drain is clear, consult the appropriate appliance repair
person. |
Frozen Pipes:
| Pipe insulation and freeze-resistant outside faucets are available to reduce
the risk of freezing. Even with these products, problems can still occur.
|
| If a pipe should freeze, thaw the pipe slowly with a hair dryer or towels
soaked in hot water. Heating the pipe slowly may prevent the pipe from
breaking. Do not heat the pipe with a torch. This has been the cause of many
fires.
To prevent frozen pipes, drain water from outdoor faucets and pipes, remove
and store outdoor hoses and never leave your home unheated during cold
weather. |
Clogged Drains:
| When the drain pipe from a tub, sink, shower or water-using appliance
becomes clogged, turn off the faucet or appliance that flows into the drain. |
| Next, try to remove the obstruction with a rubber plunger. The rubber cup of
the plunger should cover the drain opening and the water should come well up
over the edge of the cup. Work the plunger up and down rhythmically 10 to 20
times in succession to build up pressure in the pipe. This does more good
than sporadic plunges. |
| If the plunger does not work, call a plumber. Do not attempt using a snake
or other tools. They can damage expensive fixtures. Never use drain cleaner
to open a totally clogged drain. It will mix with the water to form a
caustic solution. |
Clogged Toilet:
| If a toilet overflows, stop the water flow by reaching inside the toilet
tank and pushing the tank stopper down into its valve seat. Hold until the
tank fills and the water stops. Next, turn off the shutoff valve underneath
the toilet or turn off the main water shutoff valve. Unclog the toilet.
|
| A clogged toilet should be treated almost the same as a clogged drain. The
trap is built into the toilet and is therefore less accessible. Try to
unclog the drain with a plunger. If that does not work, call a plumber. |
Faucet Malfunction:
| If a faucet won’t shut off, turn off the water at the shutoff valve
underneath the sink immediately. If there is no valve, turn off the main
water supply shutoff valve. Call a plumber or repair the faucet yourself.
There are a number of plumbing repair books on the market for
do-it-yourselfers. |
| You should not
attempt to repair cartridge faucets yourself. These faucets are
exceptionally advanced and quite expensive. Call a professional plumber if
you have any problems with a cartridge faucet. |
| If steaming
water flows from a hot water faucet, do not touch the hot water faucet.
Leave the faucet running. Turn off the electricity or gas supply to the hot
water heater. Let the faucet run until cold water flows from the faucet (the
water in the hot water heater is no longer overheated), then call a plumbing
professional to repair the faucet or the hot water heater’s thermostat
. |
|
