Plumbing emergencies can happen unexpectedly and usually at the worst times. Here are a few examples of common household plumbing problems and what you can do about them. Being prepared for plumbing emergencies is the best solution.
Tools to have on-hand:
- 5 gallon bucket to catch drips
- a plunger
Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes sometimes occur in our frigid Midwestern winters. If your pipes have frozen, you’ll need to thaw the water inside the pipes. Locate the frozen section of pipe and apply heat by using a hair dryer or portable heater set to low and placed at a safe distance from the water source. Turn the faucets on just a little to allow the thawed water to start running. This will relieve the pressure in the pipe and keep it from bursting.
Lost Item Down Drain
To some people, losing a valued item such as a wedding ring down the sink drain is cause for panic. But in any number of plumbing emergencies, the best thing to do is to remain calm. Firs turn off the water valve to the sink or toilet. Place a bucket under the pipe where it bends into a U-shape called a P-trap and loosen the two plastic connectors on each side of the trap, remove it and carefully dump the contents of the trap into the bucket. Replace the trap and tighten connectors by turning them to the right, being careful not to over-tighten them. Turn the water valve back on.
Overflowing Toilet
The first step in this situation is to remove the tank lid and make sure the rubber seal at the bottom is closed. You can also lift up on the float ball to stop the tank filling. Once the water is stopped you can try a plunger or drain cleaner to clear the clog.
In any of these situations, if any of the quick fixes do not remedy the problem, contact a licensed plumber. At Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing, we’re experts in the field and can quickly solve your plumbing emergencies and provide for your heating and cooling needs as well.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Brownsburg, Indiana and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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