Plumbing Emergency Kit: A Necessity for Every Homeowner

 

In a plumbing emergency, you might need to act fast. That’s why ASI Plumbing recommends you keep a plumbing emergency kit. Today we’ll go over some essential items you should own to handle common plumbing emergencies.

Now let’s assemble the emergency kit. It is a good idea to keep the kit in a closet or other area in your house that will be easily accessible. You’ll need the following items:

• Five Gallon Bucket: A bucket will be useful to help catch water if a leak happens during the middle of a project. It can also be used to keep all the tools in your emergency kit together and easily transportable.

• Flange and Standard Cup Plunger: Did you know not all plungers are made for the same purpose. If you have a clogged sink, tub, or shower, the standard cup plunger will do the job. However, for a clogged toilet, a flange type plunger is better.

• Wrenches: Wrenches are an essential tool when handling some plumbing emergencies. It is a good idea to have a couple different sizes, as well as, a pair of medium sized slip joint pliers to be prepared for any plumbing emergency.

• Multi-bit Screwdriver: Having a multi-bit screwdriver will save you the space of having to carry around multiple screwdrivers while you are working on a project.

• Allen Keys: Allen keys can have many uses. Many faucets and shower handles are held in place with Allen screws. Having a full set of loose Allen keys is handy because they fit in almost all positions and tight spaces.

• Duct, Leak Sealing, and Teflon Tape: Duct tape and leak sealing tape is useful for temporarily fixing a leak during a plumbing emergency. While not a permanent fix it will give you enough time to call a professional or research the problem yourself. Teflon tape is used to seal up leaks from around threaded connections.

• Blind Caps: Blind caps will help provide visibility when repairing a broken valve. They can also be screwed in to seal off a leak in a supply tube until it can be repaired.

• Heavy Duty Paper Towels and/or Rags: Plumbing emergencies can be messy. It is a good idea to have heavy duty paper towels or old rags to help clean up water from small leaks or other messes.

With the tools in this emergency kit, you should be able to handle any plumbing emergency in your home or at least keep it from getting worse before a professional can come and repair the problem. If you are in the Louisville area and ever have a plumbing emergency that requires a professional, be sure to give ASI Plumbing a call at 502-271-1331.