There’s never a convenient time for plumbing emergencies. Knowing what to expect and what to do when they happen will help you minimize their impact on your life and property. Here are six of the most common plumbing emergencies.
Whether your toilet is clogged or has a malfunctioning float mechanism, the first step to take is shutting off the water flow. The water valve is located at the bottom of the water line on the side of the toilet and should be turned counterclockwise. Once you stop the water flowing into the toilet, the mechanism failure or clog can be addressed. Unclogging a toilet may be as simple as applying firm vertical pressure with a plunger.
More severe clogs may require an auger (or “snake”), which can be used to fish out debris blocking the flow of water. Once the debris is eliminated, twist on the water valve and reset the float device.
The primary way to avoid a clogged sink drain is to deter people from dumping coffee grounds, grease, and other dense waste down your drain. Unfortunately, even the most careful homeowner sometimes has to deal with this nuisance.
If using a plunger to clear material from the drain does not work, you may require an auger. An auger is simple to use with a bit of practice and determination.
A burst pipe can release up to 100 gallons in eight hours, making it by far the most damaging plumbing emergency. Corrosion over the years can often lead to burst pipes. If a pipe does burst, shut off the water supply immediately. Relocate any furniture or other items, if possible, to minimize further damage.
Your approach to repairing a leaky pipe depends on where exactly the water is leaking. If the leak springs from the joint, first tighten the joint with a wrench. You may find that tightening one joint loosens another, so proceed with caution. If water leaks from the pipe, a rubber patch may do the trick. Another option is using waterproof tape over the leak.
If the sump pump is not working, remove the screen to make sure debris is not preventing impeller movement. If the impeller is clear, your pump may not be receiving enough electricity or have a faulty float switch. If the pump has been running for an extended period of time, it may be shutting down due to thermal overload.
Frequent water heater issues include:
If the heater is leaking, call Toshack for assistance. If there is no leak, flushing the water tank may solve color and odor problems and improve the heater’s efficiency.
For further information, Toshack is here to help! We have ninety years of experience serving Brockville, Kingston, and the surrounding areas. Generations of local families have relied on us for plumbing services, and we’re here for you as well.
Heating, Cooling & Plumbing Experts Serving Kingston, Brockville, Smith Falls & surrounding areas
Toshack Head Office
1415 California Avenue, Unit 5,
PO Box 336
Brockville, Ontario K6V 5V5
Kingston Location
1407 John Counter Blvd- unit 210
Kingston, ON, K7K 6A9
TSSA Number: FS R000076641680
Plumbing License: P00049
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