8 Tips On How To Prepare for Emergency Plumbing

Do you know if you're adequately prepared for emergency plumbing situations in your Winnipeg home? As Winnipeg's top-ranking plumbers, King's Services remains available to fix all forms of emergency plumbing issues. They can help you understand what to do when you have a plumbing problem and give you advice about reducing the likelihood you'll experience an issue.

What Qualifies as a Plumbing Emergency in Winnipeg?

How can you tell if a plumbing problem qualifies as an emergency? In general, a plumbing emergency is anything that jeopardizes your health or safety or can cause lasting damage to your property.

Pipe Leaks

Even a small water leak can cause massive damage to your home, so at the first sign of water damage, call for help. While some leaks pose an obvious threat, like a dripping faucet or a frozen basement pipe, leaks below your foundation can go undetected if you're not looking for signs, like rising water bills or a water meter that constantly shows water usage.

Clogged Drains

You might think a clogged drain is just a nuisance, but it makes your pipes more vulnerable to leaks. Many homeowners attempt to clean their drains with caustic chemicals they find at the hardware store. However, these can corrode your pipes and create more problems than they solve. 

A clogged drain is always a cause for a professional plumber to call.

Sewage Problems

If sewage backs up into your basement, it not only smells foul but can release plumbing pathogens that can make you sick. Find someplace to stay until your plumber can repair and clean the mess.

Appliance Issues

If your water heater breaks, a lack of hot water can cause hygiene problems, especially in the cold Winnipeg winters, so consider it an emergency. If you have gas appliances, a leak in your gas line is the most dangerous emergency you can experience.

8 Winnipeg Plumbing Emergency Tips

To avoid and deal with plumbing emergencies, follow these eight crucial tips.

1. Know the Signs

By knowing the signs of the most common plumbing problems, you can fix minor issues before they wreak havoc on your entire property. The following indicators mean you need expert plumbing services:

• An increase in your water bill disproportionate to your usage
• The sound of running or dripping water on your floors or wall
• Visible water damage
• Low water pressure
• Slow or backed-up drains
• Water that smells bad or looks discolored
• Gurgling or bubbling sounds in your drains
• Lack of hot water
• The smell of gas in your home (rotten eggs)

2. Schedule Repairs Promptly

If you think you need plumbing repairs, don't try to cut corners or save money by living with the problem. Without fast attention, even small plumbing problems can cause widespread issues in your home or business. Scheduling repairs immediately will save you money in the long term.

3. Avoid Problems

The best approach for dealing with emergency plumbing situations is avoiding them. While you can't achieve 100% success, keeping your drains clean is the best thing you can do. Never put the following substances down your sink or toilet:

• Coffee grounds
• Eggshells
• Grease and oil
• Rice, pasta, and other starches
• Fibrous materials like celery, potato, onion, or banana peels and produce stickers
• Medications
• Paint and paint thinner
• Fruit pits
• Bones
• Bleach and chemical cleaners
• Hair
• Honey

With temperatures dropping below freezing at least five months a year, your pipes remain vulnerable to freezing. Consider insulating them and always shut off your outdoor plumbing when it gets cold.

4. Prioritize Maintenance

Schedule maintenance for your plumbing system and appliances at least once a year. During maintenance, the plumber will look for leaks, check the quality of your pipes, ensure your hot water heater works, and perform several other services that greatly reduce the chances of a plumbing emergency.

5. Know Your Shut-off Location

When you burst a pipe, you should shut off the water immediately to avoid widespread damage. Every homeowner should know the location of their water shut-off valve.

You can usually find the valve in your basement or on the exterior wall of your home where the water line enters your home. You may also find it near the water meter. Ensure it's loose enough you can shut it off quickly, and practice a couple of times so you're ready for an emergency.

6. Prepare for Cleanup

Keep a stock of emergency cleaning supplies so you can act promptly if you have a sewage backup or pipe burst. The most important supplies include:

• Large, absorbent towels
• Several buckets of various sizes
• Disinfecting chemicals
• Gloves and masks
• Mops and scrub brushes

Never attempt cleaning a mess if your life or health is in danger.

7. Do Your Research 

You should know which plumbing service can provide the best and fastest service so you can call them immediately without wasting time. How can you determine if a plumber can provide the level of service you need?

• Ask for referrals from friends, neighbours, or business colleagues. If they're happy with the service they received, you'll likely end up satisfied.
• Read company reviews, especially on third-party websites.
• Confirm the company is available for 24/7 emergency service.
• Determine whether the company has deals or financing options.

8. Stay Safe

Your first priority in a plumbing emergency is staying safe. If it's a sewage issue, do what you can to control it and clean it up, but if you start to feel sick, leave the house.

If you have a gas leak, leave the house before you call for help, as even a single spark could cause an explosion. Once you're safe, call your utility company and plumber.

Schedule Emergency Plumbing Service in Winnipeg Today

You're now equipped to deal with emergency plumbing situations in Winnipeg, but you don't have to do it alone. Whether you're wondering how long it takes to repipe a house or you need help finding your shut-off valve, King's Services can help. With excellent customer service and expert repairs, you'll love how easily we keep you safe and comfortable.

To connect us and learn more, call 431-532-5623.