It does happen to the best of us: the unexpected and disastrous failure of home plumbing during winter. Whether during a cold snap, a busy weekend, or a gathering of houseguests, plumbing problems are always inconvenient.
Worse still, water damage and freezing temperatures can make even a minor leak or malfunction into a major emergency. While there are steps you can take for minor issues, most plumbing problems are beyond the scope of an amateur, and some, especially electrical malfunctions, can be dangerous to the untrained. When these problems arise, here’s what to do.
Frozen Pipes
When a line freezes, you’ll know when one or more faucets begin to trickle, toilets fail to fill, or water is lost in just one area of the house. You can check the area for any pipes that you can access to see if there’s any bulging, frost, or dampness, but never attempt to thaw the pipes with an open flame.
In very minor cases, when the pipe is visible, you can apply gentle heat or a hair dryer to thaw it if you’re certain there’s no leaking, a strange smell, or any indication of a problem.
More commonly, frozen pipes are behind walls where damage may not be apparent until they thaw. If in doubt, it’s best to call a plumber – more on call this State College PA Plumbing company if you want that route. Give a description of the problem when you call, e.g., which fixture or fixtures are affected, if there’s pooling water, the accessibility and visibility of pipes, and their proximity to furnaces or electrical outlets.
Basement Leaks
Nothing is worse than finding your finished basement or utility room under water. It may be caused by a leaking supply line, drain connection, or washing machine hose, or it may just be water moving along walls or pipes from a leak on another floor.
Water often makes its way along structural elements or electrical wiring and appears far away from its source, so if the leak is still flowing, it’s best to shut the main water supply than trying to determine exactly where it may be coming from.
Afterwards, move rugs, electronics, cardboard, or any other items in the area that might absorb water and if you can do so without any risk of electrical shock or entering under sagging walls or ceilings, place buckets or containers under dripping water.
When the plumber arrives, be prepared to tell them if it looks like clear, pressurized water, or murky water from the drain system, and if the leak is worse when a washing machine or other appliance is used.
Water Heater Failures
When the water goes cold or suddenly starts running brown or orange, there may be a problem with the water heater – https://www.britannica.com/technology is worth a skim. You may also find that the tank itself is leaking or that the temperature has suddenly dropped.
It’s best not to mess with the water heater if you don’t know what you’re doing, as removing the panel, relighting it, or attempting to repair electrical components on your own may create a safety risk. If the water heater is not producing hot water, and is not leaking, it can usually wait, while a leaking water heater requires more immediate attention, especially if the water is seeping onto the floor.
If there’s any sign of a gas leak, leave the home immediately and call emergency services. In cases of electrical water heaters, be certain to avoid touching the power switch or power cord if there’s water around or if your feet are wet.
When a plumber arrives, describe whether you hear any unusual noises, if it’s the tank or just the connections that are leaking, and any difficulty accessing the unit (low ceilings, security gates, dogs that don’t like strangers, etc.).
Do you know if the State College PA plumbing company offers after-hours emergency services? What happens when you call? Is a technician sent to your home? How are fees and payments taken care of? Do they offer diagnostics and repair services?
Emergencies happen at all times. It’s a good idea to write the plumber’s phone number down. Relying on an online search during an emergency will not go well.
Are you a renter? You should call your landlord or property management during a plumbing emergency. There may be a specific procedure. Landlords may require authorization before a fixture or equipment owned by the building can be serviced. Check your lease.
Immediate Response
If you find yourself in one of these emergency situations, the priority is shutting off the water source, avoiding electrocution, moving anything that would be damaged by water, and providing clear, accurate information to expedite the repair process.
Before a winter cold snap, it’s best to know where your water shutoff valve is (write it down if it’s not in an obvious place), and keeping boxes or other items out of the way of electrical panels and water shutoff valves can save precious time.
