Emergency plumbing services are a necessary evil. We all know that feeling of dread when we hear a strange noise coming from our pipes or see water spilling out from under our bathroom sink.
Unfortunately, these things tend to happen at the most inconvenient times – like in the middle of the night or when we have guests over.
While it’s impossible to completely prevent plumbing emergencies, there are some things you can do to minimize the risk or avoid scheduling emergency plumbing services in Woodbridge, VA. In this article, we’ll share with you some of the most common mistakes people make that lead to emergency plumbing situations.
-
Table of Contents
Not knowing where your main water shut-off valve is located
This is probably the number one mistake people make. In the event of a major leak, you need to be able to shut off the water to your home quickly. Otherwise, you could end up with a flooded basement or worse.
Most homes have a main water shut-off valve located near the water meter or where the main water line comes into the house. Take some time to locate this valve and make sure everyone in your household knows where it is. That way, if there is ever a plumbing emergency, you’ll be able to act fast.
-
Ignoring small leaks
Ignoring small leaks is a mistake for two reasons. First of all, those little drips can add up over time and waste a lot of water (and money). Second, small leaks are often an indicator of a bigger problem.
If you see a small leak, don’t wait to call a plumbing technician. It’s better to deal with the issue sooner rather than later before it turns into a bigger, more expensive problem.
-
Not knowing how to use your plumbing fixtures properly
This one seems like common sense, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t know how to properly use their plumbing fixtures. For example, did you know that you’re not supposed to put grease down your kitchen sink? Or that your toilet is not a trash can?
Treating your plumbing fixtures with respect will go a long way in preventing costly repairs or emergency plumbing services down the road. So, take the time to learn about proper fixture usage and teach your family members, too.
-
Flushing things down the toilet that don’t belong there
We all know that the toilet is not a trash can. But, for some reason, people still flush all sorts of things down the drain – from dental floss and feminine hygiene products to cigarettes and diapers.
These items can cause serious clogs that lead to plumbing emergencies. So, make sure everyone in your household knows what should (and shouldn’t) be flushed down the toilet.
-
Do-it-yourself plumbing fixes gone wrong
We understand the temptation to try to fix a plumbing problem yourself. After all, there are plenty of “how-to” videos and articles out there that make it look easy.
But, unless you’re a trained professional, we wouldn’t recommend trying to fix a plumbing issue on your own. Not only could you end up making the problem worse, but you could also seriously injure yourself in the process.
So, if you’re dealing with a plumbing problem, it’s always best to call a professional or schedule plumbing services in Winchester, VA. They have the knowledge and experience to quickly and safely resolve the issue – without causing any further damage.
Conclusion:
Emergency plumbing services are a necessary evil. We all know that feeling of dread when we hear a strange noise coming from our pipes or see water spilling out from under our bathroom sink.
Unfortunately, these things tend to happen at the most inconvenient times – like in the middle of the night or when we have guests over. That’s why it’s important to be prepared for a plumbing emergency before it happens.
Knowing where your main water shut-off valve is located and having a list of reputable plumbers on hand can help you minimize the damage and get your home back to normal as quickly as possible.
So, take the time to educate yourself (and your family members) on proper plumbing maintenance and usage. Doing so could help you avoid an expensive and stressful plumbing emergency down the road. Contact Wild Water Plumbing at 703-586-7025 for more information.