What to Do in a Plumbing Emergency

The unfortunate thing for many homeowners is that they have no idea what to do when a plumbing emergency strikes. What’s even worse is that it often takes being put in an emergency situation to realize this. However, whether it is frozen pipes or a leaking ceiling, here's what you can do to minimize home damage.

When is it an emergency?

Plumbing emergencies can differ from person to person. However, it is best to remember that there could be an extra cost to hire a plumber to come out after hours. You need to accurately assess your situation to decide if it is a plumbing emergency. This may mean being without plumbing function for longer than a day and not being able to get a plumber out at regular hours the next day.

Shut off the water

This should always be your first step. Leaving the water running means it can infinitely get into your home and cause huge amounts of damage. With it off, you only have to endure what is left in the pipes. While you can turn off the water at most sites, like behind the toilet or below the sink, you may want to consider shutting off the main valve.

Turn the spigot on

To clear your pipes quickly, turn the spigot or faucet at the lowest point in your house on. This will quickly remove any water in the pipes.

Call a plumber

There are problems, like a dripping faucet or a running toilet, which you are probably capable of taking care of yourself. However, for true plumbing emergencies where you are looking at a loss of plumbing function or huge home damage if you turn the water back on, you are probably not equipped to handle these situations.

If you’re in a plumbing emergency, be sure to contact us as soon as possible. Describe the problem to us and we will give you steps to mitigate any more damage until we arrive to help.

Subtle Signs You Might Have a Leaking Pipe and Need a Plumbing Repair

In your day-to-day life, you probably don’t give the pipes in your home a second thought. As long as you get water when you turn on the faucet and water isn’t pouring out onto the floor, you figure things are great with your pipes. However, pipes wind through the walls and all around your home. Here a few small signs you might have a leaking pipe that you cannot see, and it is time for plumbing in Flanders NJ. 

High Water Bill

It’s that time of the month again, and your water bill comes in the mail. If this month your bill is significantly higher and you don’t have a good reason why it might be, it is possible that you have water leaking somewhere in your home. It can be anything from a faucet dripping throughout the day and night or a pipe hidden out of sight leaking.

Low Water Pressure

You get into your shower and adjust the temperature but the water pressure isn’t at the normal level you enjoy each morning. It could be a temporary thing, or it might be that water is being redirected somewhere else in your home, such as a leaking pipe in or dripping faucet.

Water in Unusual Places

When you walk into your closet, is there a little dampness on the carpet or a stain on the wall behind your child’s bed? If you find water or water stains in places where you don’t have water or a faucet, it might be a sign of a leaking pipe. We encourage you to call The Polite Plumber in Ledgewood NJ with any questions or services you might need. 

Helpful Plumbing Tips for New Homeowners

As a first time homeowner, you have a ton of new responsibilities, and learning to properly care for your recently purchased house is just one of them. Luckily, when it comes to your home's plumbing, following a few simple tips can help you protect your house from costly repairs.

1. Make it your mission to find the water's main shut off valve immediately after moving in. If a major plumbing emergency does occur, knowing where the valve is located can save your home from serious water damage.
2. Avoid using a liquid drain cleaner. While pouring a bottle of drain cleaner into a clogged sink or bathtub seems like an easy solution, in reality, the cleaner can damage the pipes in your home. The main chemical in a store-bought drain cleaner is hydrochloric acid, which will eat away at your pipes as it sits in them. Instead, buy a snake from your local home improvement store, and if that doesn't get rid of the clog, calling a plumber is the next best option.
3. If you live in an area where winter temperatures fall below freezing, winterizing your pipes is a must. Adding insulation tubes to pipes in unheated areas protects them from freezing temperatures. Unfortunately, leaving your pipes uncovered can lead to the water in them freezing and the pipes cracking. Also, during extremely cold nights, allow all faucets on exterior walls to drip slightly. This alleviates any pressure caused by an ice blockage and can potentially stop a pipe from bursting.
4. Find a trustworthy plumber before an emergency hits. Having to frantically search for a plumber as your basement floods is not ideal and can lead to you hiring an unreliable plumbing company. Instead, do a little research before you're caught in a desperate situation. That way, you can choose a plumber you feel confident about.

If you're a new homeowner and you're looking for a dependable plumber to help maintain your home's drains and pipes, please contact The Polite Plumber in Ledgewood NJ today. We're happy to help you.