Here are a few suggestions from Mr Fix It Plumbing how to handle plumbing emergencies winter.
A Pipe Burst
Shut off the main water, reduce pipe pressure by opening the faucets at the lowest level of the home, usually the basement. Then identify the exact location of the problem. If it’s the hot water line, turn off the water supply into the water heater. Turn the main line back on so cold water can be used while the pipe is being fixed. If the water will be off for extended periods of time, turn off the water heater.
Frozen Sink Drain
Fill the sink with very hot water and a handful of table salt. If the ice is close to the sink, the salt can penetrate to melt the ice.
Clogged Kitchen Drain
Most sink clogs are due to grease. Simply pour boiling water down the drain. Wait a few minutes then use a plunger. For double-bowl sinks, hold down a drain stopper in one bowl while you plung the other side.
Bathtub Clogs
Try plunging the drain, but stuff a rag in or cover the overflow so as not to blow the air out.
Sewer Problems
Sometimes drains back up due to a sewer problem. To check, flush the toilet. If water bubbles up in the basement sink, the sewer is backed up. Use water sparingly to allow ample drain time. If the sump dump pumps into the sewer, unplug it or sewage will pump through the sink.
Plugged Toilet
For a small to moderate clog, use a plunger. For a more stubborn clog, it is possible, although slighty risky to use a closet auger. If the toilet is clogged and overflowing, do not try to flush. Turn off the toilet’s water supply using the knob on the water supply pipe under the toilet.
No Hot Water
When there is no hot water, one of three things is probably wrong with your water heater. If there is no loss of water pressure, but the water supply is cold, it’s probably a burned out pilot light or a blown fuse. Check a gas-fired unti to see if the pilot light is off. Follow the unit’s instructions to relight. For an electric unit, check the fuse panel and flip the correct circuit breaker to “on”.
Reduced Water Pressure
If there is a reduction in water pressure, check your water heater for leakage. If leaking, turn the valve on the top of the unit off. Next, shut off the fuel. Turn the gas control valve off for a gas-fired unit, or flip the circuit breaker off for an electric unit.
Long Beach Plumber to the Rescue…
Let us earn your business and show that we are worthy of being included on your list of trusted advisers. Call us today at (562) 988-2454 or Request a quote online here (Mr Fix It Plumbing Online Quote).
