Many homeowners don’t want to think about plumbing emergencies, but unfortunately, they can happen. Having a plan can help you keep a clear head when disaster strikes, allowing you to act purposefully rather than out of panic. The following are some tips to prepare so you can better handle a plumbing emergency at your home.

Choose a Plumber Before You Need One

A major mistake homeowners make is not knowing who to call when there’s a plumbing emergency. Several problems can arise from this, including delays in getting service and the possibility of you calling someone who’s not qualified and won’t give you the high-quality assistance you deserve.

Ask for local recommendations and start your research. Look for a plumber who has all the proper qualifications and excellent online reviews and offers the home plumbing services you need. Their prices are also important. Once you choose the ideal plumber, keep the contact info readily accessible.

Even better, invest in plumbing maintenance. With our plumbing maintenance services, you’ll have a lower risk of experiencing a plumbing emergency. We can also detect hidden leaks, which helps avoid expensive water damage to your home.

Know Where the Shutoff Valves Are

Do you know where the main water shutoff valve is for your home? How about for each sink and toilet? It’s important to know where each one is so that if you need to access them fast, you’ll know how to get to them quickly without searching around. Write these locations down and put them in a convenient place, such as on the side of your fridge, so everyone in your home will know where they are if something happens.

Have the Right Plunger Available

You should have a toilet plunger (flange plunger) and a sink plunger (cup-shaped) in every bathroom. Store them in a plunger holder, or you can do a makeshift one and put them each in a plastic bag under the bathroom sinks. There should also be a sink plunger underneath your kitchen sink so you won’t have to run to the bathroom to get one if you need it.

Gather Old Fabric

Instead of throwing out old, damaged clothing, towels, and sheets, put them in a bag where you can easily access them. If water starts overflowing your sinks or toilets, you’ll be able to get the old fabric to use rather than using toilet paper or paper towels that you grabbed in a panic. This can help prevent significant damage and keep the water from spreading.

Keep Gallons of Water On Hand

If you can’t use the water, the last thing you’ll likely want to do is go out to get more water or have it delivered. Keep a small stock of water available so you still have water for pets, your coffee, cooking, and drinking if you need it.

Organize Under Your Sinks

The shutoff valve is typically underneath your sink, but if that area is cluttered and disorganized, you’ll be delayed in getting to the shutoff valve. Organize underneath your sinks, such as by putting items in stackable plastic baskets, so you can easily pull them out in a rush and access the water valve.

Know What Your Homeowners Insurance Covers

Many homeowners have homeowners insurance but don’t know what exactly it covers. Read through your policy to know what you are and aren’t covered for, including plumbing issues. If there are any areas of confusion, consider calling your insurance company for clarification.

Have a Plan for Where to Go

If a plumbing issue strikes and you cannot stay in your home, plan where you can go, whether it’s to the home of a family member or friend or a hotel. It’s not something you want to be left thinking about in the middle of an emergency.

Plan now so you can stay calm if a plumbing emergency strikes. Contact Rush Plumbing Inc in the Seattle metro area for emergency plumbing services as well as all other repairs, maintenance, and installations for residential and commercial properties. Call us for an emergency or a standard appointment.

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