Plumbing emergencies tend to happen when you’re least prepared for them. They like to happen while you’re at work, late at night, or just as you’re in the middle of something else. While they can be rather aggravating, many can be solved and mitigated quickly. Below is a list of the most common plumbing problems and how you can resolve them:
- The smell of natural gas. If you smell gas, do not attempt to find the leak. Leave your house immediately without touching any of your appliances or light switches. Once you are safely outside, leave your door open for ventilation and contact your gas provider.
- Leaks in the yard. Locate the shutoff valve on your water meter and close it.
- Leaky water heater. Turn the shutoff valve located on the inlet. Then, turn the gas shutoff valve.
- Overflowing toilets. If plunging does not drain the basin, then shut the water off by turning the valve at the inlet. Next, open the sewer clean-out plug which will be located outside of the home.
- Stopped up sinks & drains. Again, if plunging won’t resolve the clog, open the clean-out plug outside. Do not open if the clean-out plug is under the sink.
- Flames or char marks on a gas water heater. When this happens, close the shut-off valve immediately. It means that the gas flow into your heater is not properly regulated and poses a serious risk.
Some of these plumbing emergencies can be resolved quickly and without the assistance of a professional plumber or HVAC technician. Clogs and basic water leaks are often easily resolved with a little basic know-how and a few simple tools. However, when natural gas is involved it is prudent to enlist the services and expertise of a professional. Under no circumstances should you attempt to repair natural gas related problems.
When you need expert advice to resolve your plumbing and HVAC emergencies, give the team at James Lane Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing a call at 940-766-0244. We’ve proudly served the Wichita Falls area since 1957 and would love to make you our next satisfied client.
