Complete Guide to Plumbing Emergencies: Preparation, Prevention, and Immediate Action

Plumbing emergencies can happen at any time! Because of their unpredictable nature, it’s easy to worry about them. However, there are ways to prepare for such events, prevent them, and take action when necessary. If you’re ready for these situations, you can save yourself many headaches.

Today, we will discuss plumbing emergencies. Our comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about them.

How to Prepare for Plumbing Emergencies

Like any emergency, the best way to prepare for a plumbing one is to be prepared. By taking the necessary steps, you can be ready for anything. Let us break down what you need to know.

Know Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve Is

When a plumbing emergency occurs, one of the first things you should do is shut off your water. Knowing where the main water shut-off valve is can prevent further damage when you encounter leaks, burst pipes, and water flow issues. This valve is often in the basement or on the exterior wall of your home. You can stop the water flow and protect your property by turning it off.

Keep Emergency Contact Information On Hand

If you live in Calgary, you should have the contact details of a local plumber. Plumbing issues wait for no one. That’s why you need a fast, reliable plumber who can come to the rescue when you need them.

Maintain Your Plumbing System

Annual plumbing inspections can save you a lot of time and money. It can also prevent potential emergencies before they happen. A plumber should check the condition of your pipes, water heater, and drainage system. After all, it’s better to be safe rather than sorry. 

Have Your Emergency Plumbing Kit

Even if you aren’t a plumber, you can have your own set of tools on hand. An emergency plumbing toolkit is essential when dealing with minor repairs. You should have pliers, a plunger, plumber’s tape, a pipe wrench, and a flashlight. While professional pipe repair and replacement may be needed for bigger issues, these tools can help with quick fixes.

Preparation is the first step in dealing with a plumbing emergency. By having the right tools on hand, you will be ready when something does happen. What if we told you there are ways to prevent problems before they happen? We will discuss preventative measures next.

Preventing Plumbing Emergencies

Even the most minor plumbing problems can become emergencies if you aren’t careful. That’s why taking preventative measures is so important. Here are some of our tips to prevent plumbing issues before they occur.

Address Minor Plumbing Issues Early

Small leaks, drips, and slow drainage might not seem like a big deal, but they are. You can prevent water damage and pricey repairs by calling a plumber to fix a leaky faucet or using professional drain cleaning services to unclog a drain. If you notice any problems, address them as soon as possible.

Protect Your Pipes From Freezing

Living in Calgary during the winter is like living in an icebox. However, you should be careful not to let your pipes freeze. Insulate exposed pipes and keep your home’s temperature consistent to prevent freezing. Remember to let faucets drip slightly during extremely cold temperatures to keep water flowing and prevent bursting pipes.

Use Your Plumbing System Properly

Be careful what you put down your drains and toilets. Non-degradable items like wipes, paper towels, and cooking grease can result in clogs and blockages. If this happens, professional clogged drain repair may be necessary. Proper disposal reduces the risk of future severe blockages and sewer backups.

Upgrade Old Plumbing Systems

Over time, your plumbing system can become outdated. When you notice your plumbing is starting to age, consider replacing it to avoid further issues. Older pipes are vulnerable to breaking and leaking, and replacing them prevents more severe plumbing problems down the line.

Preventive measures can reduce problems in the future and make them less severe when they do happen. What action should be taken when a plumbing emergency occurs? We will find out next. 

Immediate Actions to Take During a Plumbing Emergency

When a plumbing emergency occurs, you must act quickly to reduce the damage. After all, water can take a toll on your property if you let it. Here’s what you should do when you encounter a plumbing emergency.

Shut Off the Water Supply

As soon as you notice the plumbing emergency, you need to shut off the water supply to prevent further damage. Find the main water shut-off valve and turn it off to prevent water from wreaking havoc on your home. This will help control the situation until professional help arrives.

Contain the Problem

If you are dealing with a small leak, you can contain the problem. Use towels, buckets, and other water-absorbing materials to reduce the water damage to your property. Electrical appliances should be kept out of the affected area for your safety.

Call a Plumber Right Away

Fixing the problem yourself can be tempting. However, doing so might make the situation even worse. A licensed plumber should always handle issues like gas leaks and water damage.

Document the Damage

Don’t forget to take photos and videos of the damage for insurance purposes. It will help you during the claims process. Additionally, it will give your plumber more context before they arrive to fix the problem. 

When you find yourself in this situation, you should act sooner rather than later. If you know what to do, you won’t panic when a plumbing emergency arises. 

Be Prepared for Plumbing Emergencies in Calgary!

If you own a home in Calgary, you’re bound to encounter a plumbing emergency at some point or another. You minimize damage and inconvenience by preparing beforehand, preventing common problems, and knowing what to do when an emergency happens—worried about a plumbing problem? Mr. Mike’s Plumbing can help. Our team of licensed plumbing experts can help you with any issue. 

Looking for plumbing service in Calgary? Contact us anytime to handle your plumbing issues!