Plumbing system keeps the home running smoothly and since the system is used extensively, it is not surprising that suddenly something might go wrong with the plumbing without notice. Therefore in order to cope with this sudden emergency it would be helpful if you have some knowledge of plumbing issues and how to counter it in order to minimize the probable damages.

Whether you repair or replace, any plumbing job entails shutting off the water supply to the affected area. For this you will have to know the location of the shut off valve. When you construct a new home or move into one, you should make it a point to know where the shut off valve of the water line is located. If the water is being supplied by a utility company then the shut off valve will be located near the water meter and if your home is using a well for water supply then the shut off valve will be located near the well house. So you should know where the water shut off valve is located.

You suddenly discover that hot water is leaking off the faucet or the supply line. Cut off the water supply from the affected area, if you don’t then all the hot water from the tank will drain off. But before you do so, cut off the power supply to the water heater. If the water heaters are left on and the water drains out the heating elements will continue to burn dry leading to its burn out. If this happens, you will be left with no option but to replace the water heater. Thus shutting off the power connection the moment you discover hot water leak will save you from incurring a huge expense on replacing the water heater.

The toilet has clogged and it is a problem that crops up often as we tend to flush down debris through the toilet, which should not be done. If you discover the problem in the initial stage you can prevent overflow. If you find the toilet’s water about to overflow, just turn on the water of the nearest faucet so that water flow is diverted in order to slow down the water flow to the toilet. The water supply line to the toilet tank should be cut off before you start unclogging the toilet as this will stop water from flooding the floor.

In order to unclog the toilet you will require a tool called flange plunger. Plunger is made of rubber in the shape of an inverted bowl, black in color. You have to insert the plunger into the toilet bowl sealing its opening. After a vacuum is formed pump the plunger several times in quick succession and pull out the plunger from the toilet suddenly. If it does not work the first time, try again and it may do the trick.

Five plumbing emergencies have been discussed here the next five you will find in the next post.