As soon as you become aware that you have a water leak you need to get the water to stop flowing.

To do this you have a few options.

• If the leak is isolated to a fixture that has an individual valve, you can simply shut off that valve.
• If the leak is on a hot water line that doesn’t have an individual valve, you can shut off the main hot water valve located near your water heater.
• If the leak cannot be located and controlled by an isolating valve, you can shut off your main supply line that brings water into your house or business.
• If you cannot find the main shutoff valve, you can always shut the water off at the meter by the street.

Once water is stopped, it’s important to get the water off of sheetrock, carpet, and other materials on which mold and mildew can manifest.

The next step is to get the leak repaired, which may need the expertise of a trusted local plumber. Depending on the type and how extensive the leak is, you may qualify for an insurance claim. We are experienced in working with all insurance providers.

There can be several reasons why you are smelling sewer inside your home or business.

When liquid and waste go down the drain, they go through a device called a P-Trap. A P-Trap is simply a low spot that holds water. This water acts as a seal to keep odor in your sewer lines from entering back into your home or business through your drain line. If you have a shower or lavatory that doesn’t get used often, these P-Traps can dry up eliminating that seal.

Simply run some water down that drain in order to fill the P-Trap back up. This should eliminate the odor. If the odor is soon to return, you may have a more extensive issue that needs the attention of your trusted local plumber

Below is a simple checklist to go through before you call your trusted local plumber, so you can hopefully avoid the cost of a service call.

Gas/Propane Water Heater

• Is the gas valve open
• Is the pilot light lit
• Is there power to the control board
• Is there active water supply to the water heater
• Is the water supply normal pressure
• Is the heater igniting when water is turned on

Electric Water Heater

• Is the power on at the water heater
• Is there power at the control board
• Is there active water supply to the water heater
• Is the water supply normal pressure
• Is the heater igniting when water is turned on

If you smell gas leave the area immediately. Do not turn any electrical switches on or off. Do not use your cell phone or landline. Do not start your vehicle.

Once you are a safe distance away from the gas smell, call your local gas supplier. Remain a safe distance away from the suspected leak until a representative from the gas supplier says it is safe to return. Warn others to stay away from the area.

Gas is a serious threat that can be deadly. You should always seek professional help before attempting to make a leak diagnosis or repairs yourself. The gas supply company should be your first call and then your trusted local plumber.

There are a number of reasons your water pressure may change, such as corroded pipes that need replacement. However, the most common reason is an undetected leak. A water leak you don’t know about can be bad news. It wastes water which costs money and can cause mold or rot. If you notice a drop in pressure, let a pro take a look.

It is usually something as minor as replacing a washer but sometimes you may need to replace the whole faucet. Keep in mind, the sound of dripping water isn’t just annoying, it is wasteful and costly especially since, over time, the frequency of the drip increases. Be gentle when turning off your faucets and you will have a better chance of avoiding this problem.

At Melb Plumbing Services, some of the most common plumbing emergencies we tackle are those that threaten severe water damage.

From overflowing toilets to burst pipes or malfunctioning sump pumps, our expert team responds fast and gets to work right away to effectively mitigate the problem. Other plumbing emergencies we handle include no or low water supply, faulty water heaters, and clogged drains, especially for homes with just one bathroom.