It's an unfortunate fact of home ownership that most of the systems that keep it up and running will inevitably fail at some point. This includes your plumbing system; whether it's burst pipes or clogged toilets, there's a lot that could go wrong within the network. Just as it's crucial to call an emergency plumber during a crisis, it also helps to know what you can do to improve your own situation.
Although plumbing issues can be stressful, not every single one of them will count as an emergency. It's for this reason that you will need to assess whatever problem you're facing before proceeding. If you can somehow manage to contain the issue, why not wait for a better time so you don't have to pay more for repairs?
But what if you have a real crisis on your hands? In most cases, it would be advisable to shut down the main valve that supplies water to your home. If you live in a suburban house, this will be somewhere near the road, close to where your water meter is located. For condos and apartment complexes, on the other hand, the location of this fixture will vary. Your best bet would thus be to call your landlord for directions.
If the problem involves a sewer blockage, service/main line break or manhole issues, don't assume that you will be solely responsible for the repairs. Instead, get in touch with your utility company for further clarification. More specifically, inquire about what they will cover and see if you can schedule the repairs that do qualify. It's only after doing this that you will know whether or not you'll have to look for a 24-hour service.
Considering just how crucial your plumbing system is, it's only natural that a crisis here will affect the rest of your home. This is why you want to take a close, hard look at the whole place, all while taking into account what impact the issue might have on your household. Ensure your pets and children steer clear of the area until things go back to normal, and don't forget to move your personal items as well.
It would also help to clean the area as much as you can. The plumbing technician will need some space when performing repairs, so make an effort to do this before they arrive. That said, you don't have to be too pedantic about it - keep in mind that there might be some more leakage later on. It would thus be a good idea to place some towels around the area.
Obvious as it sounds, it's very important that you leave the technician alone to work on the problem once they arrive. This will allow them to focus on the job and restore normalcy as soon as possible, and you can always ask any questions you might have later on. On the same note, remember to ask them how to prevent the issue from recurring.
If you're having trouble with your plumbing, call a professional as soon as you can. The longer you wait, the further the problem extends, and the more the repairs it will eventually cost. Emergencies can also arise without warning, so make sure you keep the number of a 24-hour service handy.
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