When something goes terribly wrong in our homes, it can be easy to lose our cool. And if the problem has to do with our plumbing, it’s common to panic! After all, if we can’t get water to drink, or the toilet isn’t carrying waste away, we will quickly find ourselves in a bad situation.
But panic can make a problem worse. So don’t panic! Easier said than done, huh? This is what we’ll do to help. Here’s a handy troubleshooting checklist for you to consult when you’ve got a plumbing problem. You’ll be able to keep your cool and get the issue sorted out.
Gushing Leak
If for any reason, you’ve got a broken pipe or faulty fixture pouring out water, the top priority is to get that water to stop running. Each fixture in your home should have its own shutoff valve, a knob you can turn clockwise to stop the flow. If you can’t find it or it doesn’t work, go directly to the whole-house shutoff valve.
This is located where the water enters your home. If you’ve got municipal water, it’ll be on the wall that faces the street. If you’ve got well water, it’ll be on the wall that faces the well. Again, turn clockwise. This will stop all water from flowing into your home. It’s a good idea to know exactly where this valve is before you need to locate it in an emergency.
Overflowing Toilet
Just like the leak, the priority is to stop the water. Use the shutoff valve for the toilet, which is usually an oval knob low down and to the rear of the toilet. If you can’t find it or it isn’t working, go to the whole-house shutoff valve. Now sop up that water as soon as you can so it won’t soak into your floor! It’s best to use towels you’re happy to wash with bleach, and then wipe the area with disinfectant.
Now you can try using a plunger. Hold it vertically. Remember, you’re trying to force a blockage down, not pull it up. Thrust firmly. Don’t give up too easily—it might take several tries! But if you still can’t manage to get the clog down, you can call a plumber. If it’s your only toilet, or if you’ve had to shut off the water to the whole house, consider it a plumbing emergency.
No Water
If the water from your faucets slows to a trickle or stops entirely, it must be a plumbing emergency, right? Well, not necessarily. First, consider the possibility that it’s a municipal issue, such as a broken water main, and not a problem with your home at all. Check with your water provider, or see if your neighbors are experiencing the same thing.
If it is a problem at your home, you’ll want to see if it’s being caused by a massive leak! The place to check first is where the water enters your home. If that pipe has broken, your water could be going into or around your house instead of out your faucets! If you do spot a big leak there or somewhere else, get the water shut off and get help right away from a plumber in Bulverde, TX.
We’re always happy to help, no matter what has gone wrong with your plumbing!
Contact D’Spain Sales & Service to talk to a member of our team.
