When a water emergency strikes, it’s nice to know that there is a reliable plumber just a phone call away. But unless you are the plumber (and you probably are not, or else you wouldn’t be reading this blog), it is necessary to minimize the damage between the time you call and the time they arrive. Lawyers call this the obligation to mitigate damages; homeowners call it just plain common sense.
Since anxiety, due to something like water gushing from a pipe, makes it difficult to think, it’s good to have a resource for these situations, so you know what to do in those precious few minutes before the professionals arrive.
Have the Right Tools
A sudden water emergency is no time to head to the hardware store. So, in your basement or garage, be sure you have:
- Hose clamps
- Sandpaper
- Rubber sheets
- Plumbing epoxy
All these items are available at pretty much any hardware store. Ask a clerk for directions to avoid spending the rest of your life in one of those big box hardware stores.
Shut Off the Water
This step requires a little planning as well. The shutoff valve is usually outside of the water meter. Tree roots and other obstacles sometimes make access very difficult, so clear them away. Moreover, take a practice run or two at turning off the valve to see if you need a tool as well, like a pair of pliers.
Always shut off the water no matter how big or small the leak is.
Many people just shut off the valve and forget it. However, it’s also important to turn on a faucet or two and allow any remaining water to drain out. Then, you’re ready to proceed to the next step.
Dry the Area
A towel wasn’t on the above shopping list because most people already have at least one. Use it to completely dry both the pipe and the area around and under the pipe. That’s the best way to get a clean working surface, and also the best way to know whether your temporary fix was effective.
Seal the Leak
Before applying the epoxy, use the sandpaper to smooth the area, especially if there is rust or other corrosion.
Next, knead the epoxy thoroughly then press it into the crack. The instructions should indicate how much or how little to use, but obviously, the bigger the crack, the more stuff you’ll need to fill it. Location makes a difference as well because the water flow is more powerful near large appliances and fixtures that get lots of use.
Apply the Clamps
The epoxy should be dry in about an hour. Take a piece of rubber, wrap it around the pipe, and secure it with a clamp. Altogether, this emergency fix should hold for a few hours, and also make the job a little easier for the plumbers once they arrive.
Know what to do in a water emergency and give yourself a little extra peace of mind.
Author: Sophia Williams
