How to Deal with Common Plumbing Emergencies

At SCD Plumbing, we understand that plumbing emergencies can happen at any time, leaving you stressed and unsure of what to do next. That's why we have put together this guide to help you handle common plumbing emergencies before professional help arrives. The following are practical tips and advice that can help minimise damage and ensure your safety until the plumber arrives.

Burst Pipes

A burst pipe is one of the most common plumbing emergencies that homeowners face. This situation can quickly escalate if not tackled immediately. Here's what you can do:

1. Turn off the water supply - The first step is to locate your main shut off valve and turn off the water supply to your home. This will prevent further damage.
2. Open taps - After shutting off the water supply, open all the taps in your home to drain the excess water.
3. Call a plumber - Contact a reliable plumbing company like SCD Plumbing to fix the broken pipe.

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are another common plumbing emergency that homeowners face. The blockage can cause water to back up, resulting in water damage and even flooding. Here's what you can do:

1. Turn off the water source - The first step is to locate the shut-off valve that controls the water supply to the affected area and turn it off.
2. Clear the blockage - If the blockage is near the drain entrance, you can try to manually remove debris using a plunger. However, avoid using chemical drain cleaners.
3. Call a professional plumber - If the blockage is further down the pipe or if you can't clear the blockage manually, call a professional plumber like SCD Plumbing to remove the blockage safely.

Overflowing Toilets

This is a plumbing emergency that demands immediate action as the water may flood your home or cause very costly water damage. If your toilet is overflowing, you should:

1. Swiftly turn off the water supply - The valve to the toilet is usually located behind the toilet or under the tank. Find this and turn it off as quickly as possible.
2. Dislodge the blockage - Vigorously plunge the toilet and attempt to dislodge whatever is causing the blockage. If that fails, don't panic – simply scoop out as much water as possible to prevent further overflow.
3. Contact a local plumbing company - Usually, removing a blockage will return the toilet to normal functionality. However, if you’re unable to dislodge the blockage or the overflowing is being caused by something else, it is probably time to call in the experts.

Leaky Taps

A leaky tap is usually not an emergency, but it can lead to annoying drips and water wastage, increasing your water bill. If you’re feeling confident, it may be possible to tackle a leaky tap yourself. Here's what you can do:

1. Turn off the water supply - Turn off the water supply to the affected tap.
2. Identify the source - Identify the source of the leak by removing the fixture's handle and inspecting the inner mechanism.
3. Replace the seals - Replace the worn-out seals or gaskets. You can purchase replacement parts at a hardware store.
4. Call a plumber - If you can't fix the leak on your own, call a professional plumber such as SCD Plumbing to fix the issue.

If In Doubt, Contact a Professional Plumbing Company

Handling common plumbing emergencies can be a daunting task, but knowing what to do in advance can help minimise damage and ensure your safety. Remember to stay calm, turn off the water source, and contact a plumber for expert assistance. With our years of experience, we can handle any plumbing emergency promptly and efficiently. For a professional and reliable plumbing company and the surrounding areas, get in touch with SCD Plumbing today.