When a pipe bursts or some other piece of plumbing malfunctions, our first instinct is to get the problem under control as soon as possible. The longer such an issue goes on, the harder it will be to repair. Not only will the issue be harder to fix, if left unaddressed, the problem could result in hundreds to thousands of dollars in property damage and water usage fees. Because time is of the essence during a plumbing emergency, we feel pressured to make a repair decision as soon as possible, without giving ourselves time to weigh our options completely.
Whether you decide to DI.Y repair or take the easy and safe way out and call in your local emergency Trustworthy plumber, get familiar with the plumbing basics on unclogging and clearing drains. The bottom section of the drainpipe is called a trap that functions to "trap" some water in the line and create a water seal preventing offensive sewer gases from penetrating the home. Bathroom drains of showers, tubs and sinks may become blocked due to a build up of hair, soap scum and bodily oils and fats.
The truth is you really do have time to make an informed decision about the best way to handle your plumbing problem. There are some simple, but effective preventive measures that you can take to safeguard yourself and your home against damage and loss. Knowing what to do and what to look for are key to getting the kind of service you'd expect from a repair professional.
If your service provider has adequate knowledge and training on the topic, this might be a good time to find out more about energy alternatives. He may be able to install low-flush toilets and lower-output shower heads. This is also a good time to talk about solar thermal water heating, though perhaps before the roofer is finished up top.
You should make sure to do preventative maintenance on all of your outside faucets to prevent a very cold, wet, and costly problem down the road. Paying to have a plumber replace a faulty valve will cost you significantly less than having to pay for water conditioner work when you have a pipe freeze and break in the middle of the night.
The number one thing you need to check when hiring a plumber is to make sure they are fully qualified and are certified by the TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority). Most plumbing contractors are also heating contractors, therefore they need to have a valid TSSA number. Having a license is also very important. A license ensures that the plumber is following rules and standards. Do your homework when researching a plumbing contractor and try to get reviews from previous customers. Advice from friends and family who have dealt with a Local plumber is priceless. If you don`t know anyone who has had services from a Local plumber recently, online is the next best place to look for reviews of local contractors.
Meanwhile you also need to make sure that you know how to act in the emergency. First and foremost this means getting the situation under control and there are many ways you can do this. For instance you might want to place a bucket or bowl under the source of the leak in order to prevent more damage from occurring. Similarly you might be able to use a sponge or cloth to slow the flow and to soak up as much spilled water as possible.
If you have cold called a plumber, that is just found their name in the local paper or the internet, ask them for a reference. Getting in touch with a recent client is a great idea, they can give you an honest testimonial of the plumbers services. Even if you are looking for someone to complete a small job, finding a good plumber who you can trust is a great contact to have.