Don’t Let a Leak Ruin Your Home: Your Emergency Plumbing Repair Guide

Residential water leaks are becoming quite common. Roughly 1 of 55 homes in the US will experience an indoor catastrophic leak each year.¹ These leaks cost insurance companies and homeowners thousands of dollars. Plumbing repair is disruptive and very inconvenient. Minimizing the risk and damage from water leaks becomes top priority, so here are some first steps to remember should you experience a leak.

Pinpointing Water Leaks That Need Plumbing Repair

Make sure to locate breakers and other devices that will shut off the supply of electricity near water leaks. Do not step into or touch water that encounters electricity. It is important to locate shutoff valves wherever they might be located. Since these valves are rarely used, it is also important to close and open the valves occasionally to ensure they are not corroded in place.

• There should be an outdoor shut-off valve at the water meter; look for the meter pit between the water main and the home. Be careful when opening the pit, since creatures might make the space a temporary home. The valve may also require a special tool to open and close the valve, so shutting the water off may not be possible for homeowners.
• Locate the indoor shut-off valve for the whole house. This might be located in a garage, basement, or utility closet.
• Locate a shutoff valve beneath every toilet and sink, remembering that sinks will have both hot and cold-water valves. Tubs and showers may or may not have a separate shutoff valve, since the faucet acts as a valve.
• Washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators are examples of appliances with constant access to water. Locate a valve or valves for each of these devices. Valves for pools or hot tubes should also be located.

Emergency Plumbing Repair: Stopping and Drying Water Leaks

Shutting off the electricity and the supply of water are the first steps. The second step is to collect the water and dry the surfaces as much as possible. This limits the amount of damage being done by the water. Drywall, hardwoods, and underlayment are particularly vulnerable to water damage. Use a shop vacuum to pick up as much water as possible. Mops and fans will also remove smaller amounts.

Don’t Let Water Leaks Lead to Mold: Act Fast with Plumbing Repair

Mold and mildew require warm, moist, dark places to grow. The spaces under carpets or flooring or behind walls create just such a welcoming environment for fungi to grow. Make sure to uncover or open these spaces to ensure thorough drying. Remediation may be required.

The Essential Step After a Water Leak

Of course, nothing can return to normal until the leak is repaired and the water supply is restored. For this reason, it is important to have a plumber available for emergency repairs.

Let Doctor Cool assist with all of your plumbing repair questions. Call Doctor Cool & Professor Heat today at 281-338-8751 or email Doctor Cool and let our professional Residential League City Plumbing Repair Contractors assist with all of your plumbing repair needs.

1 https://waterheroinc.com/preventing-water-leaks/#:~:text=Catastrophic%20water%20leaks%20happen%20in,cracks%20%E2%80%93%20the%20possibilities%20are%20endless