If you are a new homeowner, then you may never have dealt with a plumbing emergency because in an apartment, landlords are responsible for this type of problem. However, after you move into a home for the first time, you should prepare for problems such as overflowing toilets and broken water pipes. Use these four tips to cope with a plumbing emergency in your home.
Have a Blueprint of Your Home
When you buy a home, obtain a blueprint so that you can see where all of the plumbing fixtures are located, including inside the walls and ceilings. With a blueprint, you can see where a water pipe and connector is located when there is a drip from a living room ceiling. If you can’t find the original blueprint, then create a drawing of your home to have ready to find all of the plumbing fixtures quickly.
Know Where the Main Water Valve Is Located
It is essential to know where the main water valve is to turn off the water inside and outside your home. You may want to paint the handle of a main water valve a particular color so that it is easier to find in the dark or during the winter. When a pipe bursts or a plumbing fixture is overflowing, you can use the main water valve to turn off the water to prevent additional moisture damage.
Have a Rubber-tipped Plunger
To prevent plumbing problems in your home from getting worse, have at least one rubber-tipped plunger. If your home is large, then it is a good idea to have plungers located in each bathroom and the kitchen. When a sink is clogged or a toilet is overflowing, you can grab a plunger quickly to remove the debris from the plumbing fixture while avoiding other problems.
Establish a Rapport with a Professional Plumber
Establish a rapport with a professional like Young Plumbing Corporation or someone similar before you have a problem that you can’t repair on your own. Look in a telephone directory or on the internet to find the plumbers in your neighborhood. Check each plumber’s licensing credentials, and call the plumber to get references. Determine if the plumber offers fast service when a major problem occurs on a weekend or holiday.
After moving into your home, create an emergency fund to have enough money for repairs or replacements of plumbing fixtures that are located in the kitchen or bathrooms. By maintaining a fund for home repairs, you won’t need to use a credit card or borrow money to keep a toilet or sink working.
