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With A Water Leak, Your Actions Are Critical

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A water leak is a big deal, even if it's a small leak. Even a small amount of water can damage your walls, floors, and other surfaces, which could lead to substantial repair costs. At the first sign of a leak, it's critical that all homeowners know what to do in this instance. Since it's always best to prepare for the storm on a sunny day, learn what you should do in the event you spot a leak in your home, now.

Turn Off the Water Valve

If the water leak is significant, the first thing you want to do is to turn off the main water valve. The main water valve is responsible for water delivery throughout your home. So, if you turn the valve off, the leak will stop. The location of the main valve varies. Sometimes the valve is outside and other times it's in the basement. Familiarize yourself with its location now so that you're prepared. 

Remove Electrical Items

If you can do so safely, remove any electrical items that are near the water leak, even if the water has not come in contact with them yet. By removing the items, you can prevent any damage to them. However, more important, you can prevent the risk of a dangerous electrical fire. Remember, a whole home fire can start from a tiny spark, so don't take any chances. 

Clean Up

Try to clean up any water that has leaked as quickly as possible. With many water leaks, it's not so much the immediate effect that causes damages. The problem is when the water rests on a surface for an extended period. The sooner you can clean up the water, the less likely there is to be any damage. Grab a mop and clean cloth to clean up. If there is a lot of water, you might even rent a dehumidifier to remove the excess moisture from the air. 

Toss Out the Buckets

Sure, it's okay to use a bucket to collect the water initially. However, you need to toss out any idea you have that the bucket is a long-term solution for the problem because it is not. A bucket will do nothing more than collect the water, but it will not correct the problem, which is most important. Only use the bucket as a temporary solution until the plumber arrives. 

The fact that it's critical that you contact a plumber for a leak can't be overstated. Only a plumbing professional can detect and correct the source of the leak to eliminate the problem as fast as possible. Make sure you call for assistance as soon as possible.  


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