You never know when a plumbing emergency will strike. Being prepared and knowing what to do in those situations can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and damages. The average homeowner will be ill-equipped to handle an actual plumbing emergency, but we can at least prepare you for how to temporarily handle them until a professional can make it to your home.
Must-Have plumbing tools
The priority regarding tools should be a toilet auger which is used to temporarily fix clogged toilets depending on how bad the situation is. A plunger is also a very helpful tool when it comes to toilet, shower, and sink clogs. Additionally, a wet-dry shop vacuum can be used when the water has pooled up in a room through a burst pipe or any broken appliance.
What to do if a pipe bursts
Turn off the water meter in the house or the water supply in the kitchen. Drain the entire system by turning on all the cold water taps in the house and also flush the toilet. Turn off all the heating systems in the house and then turn on all the hot water taps and completely drain it. Turn off any nearby electronics and make sure to never touch anything with wet hands. This will prevent water from pooling up in the wrong places.
How to handle a clogged toilet
When flushing will not drain the toilet and the water keeps rising, use a plunger or take a coat hanger and bend it into a curved shape and try to remove the blockage inside the toilet bowl. Another solution would be to take a mop and tie a plastic bag to the head of the mop and put it inside the toilet bowl with force. Another solution would be to use a chemical drain cleaner (be sure to use rubber gloves) and follow the instructions on the box. During all of this, use towels and sheets on the floor as the bathroom may get wet and slippery.
How to fix a backed-up kitchen sink
Sometimes, the garbage disposal in the kitchen can get clogged up and full from all the oil and pieces of vegetables and fruits that have gone down it. Make sure to always turn off the switch for the disposal before trying to unclog or clean it. Use a long spoon handle or tongs to clean out the fragments of dirt. Make sure to never put your hands inside the disposal. After cleaning it out, turn on the hot water and then turn the power on again and turn on cold water to check if the clog has been cleaned out.
If you live in the Orlando area and find yourself with an emergency plumbing situation, the master plumbers at Michael’s Plumbing would be more than happy to help you out! Give us a call at (407) 219-9772 or schedule an appointment online today!