Plumbing emergencies- useful information

Plumbing emergencies- useful information

Plumbing emergencies- useful information

The first step to thaw frozen pipes is to locate the section of pipe and turn off the local water supply to it. To determine whether a section of pipe is frozen, simply feel it. Frozen pipe will feel very cold, while pipe with free flowing water will feel notably warmer. Try to find a pipe through which water is still flowing to use as a comparison. After a couple minutes of running, the pipe should be around 50 degrees or so. If you have an infrared thermometer, it makes finding frozen pipes easy.

Most homes which draw their water from a municipal supply will have a water meter and shut off valve grouped together. That water meter is often located near the street, in an under ground access hatch. Lift the cover and you will find either a handle, or a valve with a straight metal flange across the top. The handle may be rotary, like a manual sprinkler valve or it may be a paddle. Turn the rotary or paddle until it won't turn any further. Valves that have a metal flange require a pipe wrench to operate. This type of valve closes with just a quarter turn. If a wrench is required, we recommend leaving a wrench near the valve for emergency use.

Most homes which draw their water from a municipal supply will have a water meter and shut off valve grouped together. That water meter is often located near the street, in an under ground access hatch. Lift the cover and you will find either a handle, or a valve with a straight metal flange across the top. The handle may be rotary, like a manual sprinkler valve or it may be a paddle. Turn the rotary or paddle until it won't turn any further. Valves that have a metal flange require a pipe wrench to operate. This type of valve closes with just a quarter turn. If a wrench is required, we recommend leaving a wrench near the valve for emergency use.

If you are unable to locate or unable to access your main water shut off valve, contact your water company. Your local water company will usually be very helpful and may even send someone out to help you find the valve and show you how to shut it off.

If there is a slow trickle at the faucet, leave the faucet open. The flowing water will help to prevent a complete frozen blockage. In addition, the flowing water may help to melt the existing partial blockage. Continue with the following steps to ensure the pipes thaw completely.

Everyone should take the time to find their main water shut off valve. If a pipe bursts, an extra two minute delay can result in 30 or more gallons of spilled water. That is roughly the equivalent of a bathtub full of water. That much water, inside your home can cause a lot of damage. Being able to find the shut off valve and a wrench quickly can save you thousands of dollars of damage.

One common plumbing problem that often occurs at the most incovenient of times is a clogged drain. Many home owners are tempted to reach for a bottle of their favorite drain cleaner - they are easy to use, supposed to be quick, and you don't have to get your hands dirty. The problem with quick fixes - as with many things in life - is that the quick fix may not be the best.

Pipes burst, pipes leak - if it happens to you, here are some steps to help you deal with the problem. This article deals primarily with what to do for a temporary fix. A permanent fix will vary with the plumbing involved and type nature of the problem; refer to our plumbing section for more information on specific repairs.

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