Any sort of emergency can be intimidating when it first happens to you. Whether it's a common power cut or a burst pipe, it can result in so many questions, whether you should call a professional or should you try and fix something now yourself, are two common ones. But the best approach will always depend on the problem itself. Let’s show some common household emergencies that we should all prepare for, and how we can respond.
Broken or Burst Pipes
The most important thing to mention is that every home has a main water valve. It is usually located near the front of the property or in the basement. As a matter of priority, you need to know where the main water valve is. If you have a very bad leak, you will need to turn the valve off right away to minimize water damage. You will then need to inspect the pipes to see what is damaged. Using emergency plumbers will help to determine the cause. Inspecting the pipes can show you what needs replacing. But it depends on what has caused the broken pipe. For example, if it has occurred during the winter and frozen water caused the pipes to burst, you may have to use an emergency plumber to install pipe insulation.
A Grease Fire in the Kitchen
Preparing for a grease fire is about knowing what you should not use to put out a fire. In the case of a grease fire in the kitchen, you should never use water to put it out. This splashes the grease around and can make the fire worse. If you have a grease fire in the kitchen, you should look for a metal lid, such as a wok lid, and cover the fire with it until the fire is suffocated. Going back to high school science briefly, starving a fire of oxygen is what will put it out. If you do not have access to any lids, you can use baking soda to douse the fire.
An Overflowing Toilet
The reason a toilet overflows is usually when it can't stop running or cannot drain properly. The priority is to stop the flow of the toilet by turning the valve off. This is usually located in the back of the toilet by the wall. This will shut down the water. You then need to clean any standing order before it causes any additional damage. Identifying the source of the problem begins with addressing the fill tube. You then need to look for other potential clogs that are stopping the toilet draining. If the toilet is overflowing due to something you can see, you may be able to pull it out.
Pests in the Property
If you suspect mice in the house, you need to inspect the perimeter of the property as a priority. Look at the perimeter inside and outside of the home. You are on the lookout for droppings, signs of nests or chewing, or any holes that a mouse might use. Cover these holes or crevices with wire mesh to prevent any additional problems and set traps to get rid of any remaining mice in the house. However, if the mice continue to appear, you need to consult a professional inspector. If left to their own devices, they could cause structural damage. Another common pest problem is an infestation of ants. If you see trails, you can remove the ants and clean everywhere they have been using vinegar spray. This removes the scent of the trail. Once you have done this, it's time to start looking for any gaps or cracks in the floorboards, doors, windows, or other areas. If you cannot find the source, set up some traps and call an expert to see if there is a nest nearby.
A Leak in the Ceiling
If the ceiling is dripping, you need to prevent any further water damage by laying down plastic sheets or a bucket to capture the water. You then need to address the source of the leak. It may be a broken pipe or it could be a damaged roof. If the roof is damaged, you need to call in an experienced professional. In the short-term, you need to repair your ceiling. This is something you need to do as a priority.
This list is a perfect starting point. It's surprising how many people aren't ready in an emergency. If you suffer any of these issues but you do not know how to deal with them, you can always call a professional. But as a priority, do what you can to minimize the risk in the situation right there and then.
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