Protect Yourself And Your Property In A Plumbing Emergency

Some plumbing problems come under the category of emergency. These are the more urgent issues that need professional assistance right away. Minor problems may be left alone for a while as long as they don’t visibly worsen. But, some plumbing problems should raise concern instantly.

Understanding what steps to take is vital in a plumbing emergency. Some common problems require more than just a phone call to an emergency plumber. You can protect your property and yourself by being proactive too.

There are steps to protect your health and property for each plumbing emergency. Some plumbing problems present an immediate danger, while others can build up to cause health hazards and damage homes.

What to do in a plumbing emergency

Each plumbing problem presents its own set of troubles and risks. Some plumbing problems can lead to a property being flooded in minutes. Others may slowly cause unseen damage until extensive repairs are needed.

A visit to https://grahamandsonsplumbing.com.au/emergency-service/ clarified which plumbing problems present emergencies and require urgent fixes.

Here in this short article are those four different plumbing emergencies. You will read what to do when each of these occurs, the dangers involved, and how to mitigate any damage.

1. What to do when a water pipe bursts

If a water pipe or tank bursts, it can end in serious flooding. It can be shocking to see huge amounts of water pouring into your property suddenly. Commercial premises can be financially devastating and lead to bad publicity. In a home, it will cause damage to personal belongings and decor.

The dangers of a burst pipe

Burst pipes will pour water forth at a terrific rate. Similarly, if a water tank fails, you can expect hundreds or thousands of gallons to pour into your home. Advances have led to precise plumbing with 3D printing, but pipes can still burst and cause problems.

The dangers of a catastrophic water leak include:

• Electrical fires and short circuits
• Electrocution
• Water damage
• Structural damage
• Lost belongings
• Lost revenue
• Loss of clients
• Loss of inventory

Everyone knows that electricity and water must never meet. When a large amount of water escapes from a pipe or tank, there is a very real risk of electrocution or short-circuiting.

Businesses can lose stock and customers. At the very least, revenue will be impacted. Structural damage can be caused in serious cases, such as collapsing ceilings.

How to protect yourself

Fix any leaks you find professionally. Hire a plumber to conduct inspection and maintenance if you run a business. Look for signs that your pipework or water tank may require repair. Corrosion, rusty water, and moisture are signs that a tank may fail.

If a pipe bursts, call an emergency plumber. Don’t try to fix the problem yourself. Calmly explain what has happened, and they will attend quickly.

Carry out the following steps also:

• Turn off the mains water supply
• Turn off the electricity if it is safe to reach the main junction box
• In the event of a water tank failing, close the gas supply if applicable
• Drain the water from your tank
• Take photos of the damage and the cause of the problem
• Call your insurance company

You must prevent further damage and make the scene safe quickly. If it is safe to do so, then turn off the electricity. If you cannot reach this, then call an electrician in. Ensure the mains water supply is off to limit how bad the flooding is. And if a water tank fails, drain the remaining water.

To protect yourself further, take photos of all the damage now so you can present these with your insurance claim. Lastly, call the insurance company to get your claim in gear.

2 What to do if you suspect a gas leak

Gas leaks must never be tackled by anyone who isn’t certified. This is no area for DIY work and another plumbing emergency that requires swift attention. In the UK, there is rising concern over aging gas pipes in homes, and leaks appear to increase.

The dangers of gas leaks

Gas is combustible and can cause explosions when ignited. Gas leaks are also capable of causing poisoning in a matter of minutes.

How to protect yourself

There are several dos and don’ts with gas leaks. It would be best not to attempt to fix the gas leak yourself unless you are a qualified gas engineer. You can turn off the gas supply valve if it is safe.

Do not do the following:

• Close doors or windows
• Use any appliances
• Use your phone inside the home
• Switch on any lights

Do this in the event of a suspected gas leak:

• Open doors and windows
• Evacuate the home
• Call emergency services
• Call an emergency plumber

Make phone calls quickly but from outside the home as devices could ignite the gas. Evacuate the home quickly, but open windows and doors if you can. And warn your neighbors.

3 What to do if your toilet backs up

Far less dangerous are problems with sewer systems. Unfortunately, there is nothing pleasant about an overflowing toilet, especially in a business involved in hospitality.

Toilet systems have moved on over the years. There are now eco-friendly composting toilets, and low-flush types to save water. But sewer lines can back up on occasion.

The dangers of toilets backing up

Water damage is the most immediate concern with a toilet backing up. Yet, repeated incidents can pressure pipework and result in burst pipes.

There is the issue of hygiene and odors to contend with. And exposure to sewage presents genuine health problems. A business’s operations will be affected, and its reputation will be damaged.

How to protect yourself

Regular maintenance will help to avoid this problem from occurring. But, in the event of a toilet backing up, you will need a professional plumber.

In the meantime, close the water supply to the toilet. And avoid further flushing. Prevent water from spreading any further by placing towels to contain the overflow. And protect yourself with gloves and masks. The affected area will need to be disinfected too.

4 What to do if you have a blocked drain

Blocked drains present several problems to property owners and should be treated urgently.

The dangers of a blocked drain

Water build-up can lead to damage, including to foundations and lower walls. Stagnant water will harbor bacteria which will create a health hazard. Blocked drains also smell unpleasant. And you might attract pests.

How to protect yourself

Treat the problem with some urgency. One DIY method involves pouring boiling water down a clogged drain followed by bicarbonate of soda and vinegar. If this doesn’t work, call your local plumber.

The consequences of ignoring plumbing problems

Water damage will occur from any leak or burst pipe. How severe this becomes will depend on exposure time to a degree. A leaky pipe left to drip continually will affect the immediate area. This can result in rotting and mold building up. Mildew and mold cause health problems, including cognitive impairment and fatigue.

Other more serious water damage can lead to weakened structures and discoloration. Unpleasant smells may be noticeable, and fungi can grow in damp areas. For businesses, trade may be lost and reputation harmed.

Summary

These four plumbing emergencies should never be ignored; frankly, it would be hard to do anyway. Toilets backing up and clogged drains present unpleasant scenarios that should be fixed quickly.

But burst pipes and gas leaks are potentially dangerous and must be treated as so. Never attempt to fix a gas leak; call emergency lines as soon as you are out of the property.

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