If there’s one thing we can all agree on it’s that plumbing emergencies have zero respect for the concept of office hours. Not only do they happen at the oddest of hours, but they also tend to get out of hand very quickly. 

It’s with this in mind that many locals use the emergency plumber Brisbane plumbing companies have on call. While an emergency plumber will do everything to reach you as quickly as possible, even 10 minutes can feel like an eternity when you’re dealing with a crisis. If you have water gushing into your home or a suspected blockage, the time it takes for the plumber to arrive can be instrumental in lessening the damage.  

Reduce Damage Where Possible

There’s also the very likely possibility that your emergency plumber is dealing with another crisis and may take a little longer to reach you. In this instance, you need to contain the situation as much as possible. 

Doing this will reduce potential damage to your furniture, floors, carpets, and even other plumbing fixtures. Our emergency team have compiled a list of the top tips they want you to implement while you wait for them to reach you. 

Switch the Water Off

It’s true that your plumber doesn’t want to fiddle too much with the issue you’re having because your good intentions can make a problem worse. However, if your problem is water-related, your first step should always be to locate the main shut-off valve and turn the water off. Doing this will lessen any water damage and also reduce the likelihood of an inflated water bill. 

Check the Gas and the Power

Not all plumbing emergencies affect the power. However, if you have a burst pipe or leak in your home, it may be necessary to switch the power off as well. This is especially necessary if you have electric cables or wiring that you suspect may have gotten wet. If you have water leaking where you have power outlets, you will need to switch the power off at the mains. 

The same applies to the gas. Keep in mind that any emergency that involves gas should include shutting the gas off and getting everyone out of the house. Don’t wait to see if anyone develops symptoms. Any gas leak, no matter how small must always be treated as a major emergency. 

Clear a Path to Work

Your emergency plumber doesn’t care if your home is tidy. What is essential is that the team can reach the emergency as soon as they arrive. Wherever possible, move furniture or other items away from the area where the plumbers need to work.  This will also go a long way toward reducing any potential damage to your furniture. 

Drain the Water Pipes

Switching the water off at the mains will stop the flow into pipes which can put an end to the streaming. However, there may still be water in the pipes which can make it seem as though the water hasn’t stopped. 

Once you have turned the water off, open the taps and let the taps run dry. It usually takes a few minutes for this to happen. You can avoid wasting more water by using a bucket to catch the water from the taps. You can use this water in your toilet or the garden. 

Dry Up any Pooled Water

Some emergencies involve small leaks that fortunately don’t make too much mess. However, there are those instances where water leaks from an indoor water heater pool on the floor. This can cause damage to the floor or result in an electric shock if the water reaches any cables or wiring. It’s also a potential slip-and-fall hazard for you and your plumber. 

Avoid this by drying up as much water as possible. Your plumber doesn’t need to see the actual water to know they’re dealing with a leak. Use towels, blankets or even a wet and dry vacuum cleaner for larger leaks. Opening windows and doors will also help to ventilate and dry the area. 

Take a Few Photos

It’s always a good idea to take a few photos of your emergency. This is especially necessary if you have home insurance. In this instance, you will also need to obtain a report from the plumber about the problem and the action taken. 

Photos are also an excellent way of showing your plumber what you’re dealing with while he’s en route. Your plumber will then be able to advise you of the right steps to take until they arrive, and they will also be able to ensure that they have the right tools and spare parts if necessary.

Final Thoughts

Some plumbing emergencies can result in considerable damage to your property, especially if water has been streaming into your home for an unknown amount of time. Whether you’re dealing with a blocked toilet or a leaking water heater, it’s essential to follow our tips to reduce potential damage while you wait for a plumber. Doing this will save you money and aggravation!