WHAT TO DO IN A PLUMBING EMERGENCY IN BOSTON, MA

You do your best to prevent plumbing emergencies in your home, but sometimes that’s not good enough. You never know when disaster will strike. If you’re faced with any type of plumbing emergency in the Boston area, from a burst pipe to an overflowing toilet, there are steps you can take to maintain control over the situation.

1. Keep Your Cool
As stressed as you may be, it’s critical to keep your cool and remain calm. When you panic, there’s a greater chance of making a mistake that causes more trouble. Slow down and take decisive action. This will put you on the right path to reducing the damage and working toward a solution.

2. Stop the Water
Your number one goal is to stop the water from entering your living space as quickly as possible.
The steps that you take depend on the source of the problem. Here are some examples:

  • If a pipe inside your wall breaks, head for the main shutoff valve
  • If your toilet is overflowing, turn it off at the secondary valve located behind the toilet
  • If an appliance, such as your dishwasher is leaking, first turn it off and then head for the main shutoff valve

Tip: if your problem is located in close proximity to electricity, such as water that’s reached an outlet or breaker box, pull the main breaker (if you know how to safely do so).

3. Inspect the Damage
Now that you’ve stopped the flow of water into your home, it’s time to pinpoint the problem and inspect the damage. Sometimes, the problem is plain as day. It’s not hard to see that your toilet has overflowed or a drain has backed up. Conversely, there are issues that are more difficult to pinpoint, such as a leak behind a wall.

4. Implement a Plan of Action
There are two parts to this step:

  • Decide how to best repair the problem so you can once again turn on your water
  • Determine how to clean up the mess and repair any water damage

In the event of a serious plumbing problem and/or extensive damage, it’s best to call in a pro.
If you attempt to repair the issue on your own, you may end up with a temporary fix that’s bound to give you trouble again in the future. At this point, a permanent repair is the only thing you’re interested in.

5. Don’t Overlook the Long-Term Effect
It’s unfortunate, but plumbing emergencies almost always cause damage to your home. For example, it can soak your carpets, warp woodwork, and damage drywall or plaster walls. The quicker you begin the cleanup process, the greater chance there is of minimizing the damage. Start by soaking up any standing water. From there, dry out any carpets, walls, and wood that came in contact with the water. It’s helpful to use fans to circulate the air and dehumidifiers to remove unwanted moisture from your home. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may want to file an insurance claim to help with your financial losses. Note: excess moisture can result in mold and mildew, both of which can be dangerous to your home and health.

It’s easier said than done, but these are the types of steps you should take in a plumbing emergency.
And of course, if you require professional assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Boston Standard Company. We offer 24/7 service to ensure that you’re taken care of in the event of a plumbing emergency.

Categories:
Plumbing

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