Plumber Plunging a SinkA plumbing emergency usually occurs without a warning, but high temperatures are known to be the cause of a large percent of plumbing emergencies in San Diego. With the summer heat lurking around the corners, it is good to know what you can do to prevent a disaster. The best way to avoid any serious damage is to contact Plumbing Plus, the best San Diego Emergency Plumbing service, but there are some things you still can do to minimize the damage and avoid major repair costs in the aftermath.

1. Know the location of your main valve

Every homeowner has to know where their main valve is. In case you ever go through a plumbing emergency, the first thing you will need to do is to close this valve. It may not be always necessary, but knowing where it’s located will give you peace of mind. If your home is on the municipal water supply, your main valve will probably be in the vicinity of the water meter or around the exterior access point of your home’s crawl space. If your home is using well water, the valve will likely be located near the well pump or in the well house.

2. How to handle hot water leaks

If you find that hot water is dripping or leaking from a faucet or from the supply lines, the first step should be to close the main valve to prevent draining the hot water tank, and shut the breaker supplying electricity to the hot water immediately after. If the water heater is running empty, it could damage the heating unit leading to a costly replacement. To prevent this simply make sure you shut down the water heater’s power if you discover a leak.

3. How to deal with a clogged toilet

This is one of the most common plumbing emergencies San Diego residents face. If you react on time, you can prevent the toilet overflowing. Simply let cold water run in a sink or bathtub near the toilet. This can slow the water in order to prevent the overflow. You should also shut down the valve leading water to the toilet, so that you can work on unclogging it without having to worry about causing a flood. To unclog a toilet you will need a tool called flange plunger. It usually has a black, bowl shaped head with a two or three inch rim on the bottom side. Inserting the plunger into the toilet will create a snug seal. Pump the tool several times to build a vacuum suction and then sharply pull it out. In most cases this will be enough to get rid of the block which caused your toilet to overflow.

4. How to deal with a clogged sink

Unlike the toilet, the sink requires a standard plunger. These dark red tools have a flat, wide rim. Place it over the drain and pump several times to create a vacuum. This will help loosen the block and let water flow freely again. This is effective with some types of clogs, especially hair. Plungers come in various sizes, and it is recommended to use smaller ones for sings and larger ones for bathtubs and showers.

Around the clock Emergency Plumbing in San Diego

Plumbing Plus is all about quality work and exceptional customer service. If you are experiencing a plumbing emergency, contact the #1 Plumbing Company in San Diego.