Simple Plumbing Tasks You Should Know

7/26/2023 (Permalink)

Did you know, it is estimated that approximately $49 billion will be lost due to some kind of flood every year. For homeowners, the cost can also be astronomical, especially if flood insurance isn't in place. Can a lot of floods be avoided if you know some simple plumbing tasks like shutting off the water valve or spotting a frozen pipe? Absolutely.

However, there are many plumbing issues that occur that require a professional. Below are some tasks that will help you at least shut off the water supply or know how to prevent a flood. Here are some simple plumbing tasks that you should take note of in case of an internal plumbing problem that causes a flood.

Water Shut-Off Valves

The knob or handle that allows you to shut down the water supply is referred to as a shut-off valve. It can be applied to an entire property or a specific area of a home/building. To avoid thousands of dollars in cleanup and repairs, knowing how to shut off the water supply in a timely manner will help tremendously.

So, why should you know where the valve is?

• If work needs to be done on a fixture, supply pipe, etc. The water supply must first be shut off.
• If the building is going to be vacated for a considerable amount of time, shutting off the water supply is a good idea. If a pipe bursts or a water tank develops a leak, having the water shut off will help avoid costlier, excessive damages.
• To avoid complications, knowing the location of your shut-off valve will be extremely useful in the case of a plumbing emergency. Plumbers often find soaking towels or filled buckets under leaks because their customers don't know how to shut the water off.

Ok, so where is the shut-off valve?

• Next to the water heater
• Under a sink/toilet
• Near a water meter, outdoors
• In the basement or at ground level
• On the perimeter wall of a building

What Are the Signs of a Frozen Pipe?

Frozen pipes are a popular cause of flooding in the home. If you can catch a frozen pipe before it bursts, you can get ahead of a potential flood.

• A bulge or crack in a pipe with ice seeping out is a clear indication of a burst pipe.
• Frost on the outside.
• A bad smell from the drain or faucet.
• No water or slow trickle when a faucet is used.
• Whistling or banging coming from pipes or bubble sounds when a toilet is flushed
• Dampness, puddles, or rings on drywall or ceilings

What Are the Signs of a Burst Pipe?

• Fluctuating water pressure
• Discolored, smelly water
• Clanging or dripping noises in the walls
• Mold growth
• Puddles under sinks
• High water bills
• Water marks on walls or ceilings

Clogged Toilet

If you have a clog in your toilet and the water is starting to overflow, creating a flood in your bathroom - you need to know how to accurately unclog the drains and toilet to stop the flooding. You can always call a restoration team like SERVPRO, but the sooner you get to it, the better.

If the clog is somewhat minor, you can try a plunger, which is self-explanatory. If it's worst than that, you'll want to snake it. There are plenty of YouTube videos that will teach you how to use one successfully.

However, if you believe there is a bigger plumbing problem here, call us. SERVPRO Team Harvey is an experienced restoration company that specializes in water damage restoration, mold remediation, and many different cleaning services.

Plumbing Issues + Flooding = Mold

After any type of flood or water damage issue in your home, the chances of mold growing soars. If you develop mold, that's a bigger issue that needs to be addressed, as most mold is dangerous to live with. Luckily, we are not only experienced with water restoration, but with mold remediation as well.

It's also good to know the difference between mold removal and mold remediation. Since microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors, removing all mold from a home or business is impossible. Many restoration businesses advertise "mold removal" and even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy. We understand mold, and so should you.

• Mold can float through the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating system. They can even hitch a ride on your clothing or pets.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. mold can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor, and that odor can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45%.

Why Choose SERVPRO?

For one, we're faster to any size disaster. When water damage strikes, a fast response is critical. Day or night, Hoboken residents and business owners can expect us to respond immediately to your water emergency.

Secondly, we're highly trained water damage specialists. As leaders in the water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise, not to mention a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. We use this training and experience to quickly dry your home and restore it back to pre-water-damage condition. Our process includes documentation of the drying process to validate your property is dry.

Lastly, we use advanced drying equipment, materials and techniques. We invest in the latest technology and equipment because it helps us restore your home more quickly and to minimize costs. This equipment allows us to detect hidden moisture and extract standing water quickly and efficiently. We also utilize professional-strength cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing products to clean and sanitize the affected water damage area for your comfort and safety.

About SERVPRO Team Harvey

SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City is proudly owned by Lance and Jennifer Harvey - a husband and wife duo that owns three other SERVPRO locations, including SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan, SERVPRO of West Somerset County, and SERVPRO of Aberdeen/Holmdel.

We understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “like it never even happened.”