Done-Right! Rooter & Plumbing

Basic Emergency Plumbing Knowledge Every Homeowner Should Know

When facing burst water pipes or other plumbing emergencies, calling an emergency plumber is always the best option. Before the plumber arrives, knowing how to mitigate the worst damage and temporarily address the problem can help you prevent severe damage to your home.

Turn off water to the entire home: When there’s a major leak, there’s not always time to call a plumber before major damage is done. The whole-house water shutoff valve is located in one of two spots: on the water heater or in the water meter box in the yard. If the shutoff valve is in the yard, then you may need a water meter key. It’s recommended to keep this water meter key in a closet by the front door in case of an emergency; if you do not already know the location of the main water valve, locate it before an emergency arises.

Stop your toilet from running: Toilets that tend to run should eventually be inspected by a professional plumber. In the meantime, you can temporarily fix your running toilet. First, simply jiggle the handle; if the toilet stops running, then you may only need to move the tank’s arm to a lower link on the chain. The float may also have become disconnected. Adjust the float so it sits just above the water level in the tank.

Temporarily block a leak until a plumber arrives: Plumber’s tape is an excellent tool to keep around the house. It only sticks to itself, so you don’t have to worry about the adhesive wearing out when you have it wrapped around a pipe. If the piping underneath your sink has sprung a leak, then you can wrap plumber’s tape around it to create a completely watertight seal. This solution can actually last for a couple of weeks but is definitely a temporary fix; call your plumber right away if you have a leak.

For minor and major plumbing issues in the San Jose area, call Done-Right! Rooter and Plumbing at (888) 379-0166. Our certified professional plumbers are available seven days a week for routine and emergency plumbing services.

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