A properly designed and installed home plumbing system is virtually trouble free. Should problems arise, there are standard methods of dealing with them for the DIYer. And there are good reasons too: a careless leak inside a wall, on the floor or on the ceiling can cause serious damage.
Most plumbing systems provide numerous shutoff valves to control the flow of water in the supply system. The sinks and sinks have individual shutoffs for hot and cold water; the bathrooms have only one. The first thing to do in an accessory emergency is to close the shutoff valve.
Whether or not the house has individual fixture controls for the water supply, you will always find a main shutoff near the water meter or on the wall where the main water line enters the house. Leaks and overflows can be quickly stopped at the main closure, eliminating the search for individual closures. Familiarize yourself with all the locks so you can get to them quickly in an emergency.
What to do in an emergency:
Pipe Leaks: Joints that have corroded or frozen (and burst) will leak. Tightening a threaded joint or re-soldering (or re-gluing) can cure the leak. Broken pipes can sometimes be fixed with a pipe clamp patch. If not, they must be replaced.
Leak in a wall – Most often caused by a faulty riser pipe to a shower or fixtures on a higher floor. In this situation it is best to seek professional help. A reputable plumber should be able to tell you if he has to cut through the wall to do the repair.
Overflowing Toilet Tank: You will hear a toilet tank overflowing in the toilet bowl long after you flush. Close the tank shutoff valve. Access the toilet where the flapper valve is located. Lift the float by hand. If the water stops, bend the float arm slightly to lower the float. Rinse and retest. Adjust as needed. If the flow persists, I suggest replacing all the toilet components. It’s pretty cheap and easy to do this.
Clogged sink drain: try a rubber plunger first. If this doesn’t break the clog, try a chemical bottle opener following the instructions on the container. If this fails, place a bucket under the trap (the U-shaped tube), loosen it, and remove it. Most home improvement stores sell a clog clearer made just for this problem. Remove the clog, usually hair and soap. Replace the trap and run hot water for a few minutes to rinse everything out.
There are some of the common plumbing emergencies that you may encounter. Most can be corrected by the owner without going to a plumber. If you encounter a problem that you think is more than you can handle, call a professional right away. The longer you wait for the more costly damage that can occur.
