When you have a plumbing problem, sometimes it’s hard to tell if it’s an emergency, or if you can triage long enough to either fix it yourself, or get on the plumber’s appointment book. This week, on You Got This! we discuss what we consider a plumbing emergency, versus a plumbing issue.
Let’s start with some big plumbing issues…
Frozen Pipes – if one or more of the pipes in your home has frozen while you’re away you may not need an immediate visit from the plumber. Turn off the water at the main shutoff valve and begin thawing the water line using hot water bottles. Begin at the end of the pipe that’s closest to the tap and work your way backwards. Take your time and never use an open flame. Thawing has to be a slow, gentle process to avoid further damage. If the pipes have not only frozen but have also burst you have a plumbing emergency.
Burst Pipes – if you’ve had a pipe burst for any reason, freezing or otherwise, you need immediate help. First go to the main shutoff and turn off water coming into your home, then call the plumber. While you’re waiting for the plumber to arrive turn on the cold water taps from all of your sinks and drain the water from the lines.
In this episode we also discuss gas leaks, clogging toilets, and that pesky dripping faucet.
You can listen online at anytime, or on Grass Valley’s KNCO every Friday, at 9am.