Dealing with Common Emergencies At Home

No homeowner ever wishes to have to deal with certain emergencies at home, but in the off chance that you happen to face any of these common ones, there's no need to fret. Just follow these instructions, and you may be surprised at how well you handled the situation.

1. Leaking Roof

While you call a professional roof repairer, try to locate the source of the leak, and use a bucket to collect the water. Next, move all electrical appliances that are close by, and also switch off all the general power outlets until repairs are complete. You should also move furniture and soft furnishings out of the way to avoid permanent damage to them. If they are too heavy, you should cover them with plastic sheeting or heavy towels. Remember to ask the roof repairer for an assessment of the general condition of the roof to prevent future leaks.

2. Burst Pipes

Two significant signs of a burst pipe are an unwanted pool of water or a trickling sound that appears to come from within a wall cavity. If you notice this, first move all electrical items safely out of harm’s way. Then do what you can to stop the water supply to the entire home, then switch on both your cold and hot water taps. Drain them completely so that no more water comes out. Speak to a plumber and relay the location of the puddle or dripping water and information on whatever steps you've taken. You will get instructions over the phone about any further steps to take. But most likely you'll need a professional visit. 

3. Blocked Toilet

A clogged toilet definitely is one of the most dreaded household emergencies. While there are many likely causes for a blocked toilet such as foreign objects or children’s toys, poo is the most likely culprit. Having a sturdy plunger on hand will prove to be most helpful, as in most cases, drawing up the blockage is the best way to budge it. If that doesn’t seem to get the job done, find an old mop stick that you can use to wedge down into the bowl and try to dislodge the blockage. If neither of these tactics works, then it’s time to call in the cavalry—a licensed plumber. Meanwhile, on the off chance that you need to use the toilet before it's fixed, you might have to visit the neighbors you have been friendly to throughout the year.

Knowing what to do is essential to dealing with emergencies, and these are simple steps that anyone can follow.