A List Of Plumbing Emergency Tips

Always find the main water shut-off valve location in case of a leak.

Learn how to turn off the water heater. If you have a gas water heater, turn the switch to the pilot position.

Isolation valves located at each fixture will stop the flow of water to that location. This allows water to continue to service the remainder of the house while the leak is being repaired. It’s a good idea to turn on and off each isolation valve in the house at least once a year to keep them in good working condition.

Using two wrenches at once turning in opposite directions is called “backing off” and allows the wrench to absorb the stress and not the plumbing.

If a supply tube break off is causing a leak, screw in a blind cap to seal off the leak until it can be fixed.

A great tool for faucets and garbage disposal is the use of an Allen wrench.

Use duct tape or pipe sealing tape to pull together a crack in a pipe, reducing the leak as a temporary solution.

A cup plunger can be used for small drains like bath tubs, showers and lavatory sinks. Forced cup plungers have a funnel that can apply extra force down the drain, which is good for sinks or toilets.