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Plumbing problems can be aggravating for many homeowners. Unpleasant smells, overflows and expensive repairs are often the result of a mishap. The good news is that you don’t have to idly stand by during a plumbing disaster.  Anyone can complete these three easy emergency plumbing tricks when pipes start to rumble.

1. Shut Off Your Water

If you haven’t already, familiarize yourself with the location of the water shut off valve in your home. Typically, it’s located in your garage or a crawlspace. Many people can also access the main water valve that’s usually found at the edge of your property, near the sidewalk. You’ll probably need a key to access it; to prepare for an emergency, make sure you know the location of your key so you’re not scrambling as your toilet or sink is overflowing.

2. Use Teflon Tape

Teflon tape is surprisingly strong. Wrapping it three or four times around a leak can block the water for moderate or minor leaks. While it shouldn’t be used as a permanent solution, it can certainly buy you time while you repair the problem or call a plumber. Teflon tape can be used on toilet pipes, sink pipes, faucets and shower heads. Anyone can easily stock up on a few rolls of Teflon tape to keep in a drawer or storage basket.

3. Catch the Water in a Bucket

In a worst-case scenario, you can’t prevent water from spilling over on your floor. If carpeting gets wet, it can be especially damaging. Rather than waiting in horror until an emergency plumber arrives, you can catch the spill-offs in a large five-gallon bucket. Purchase more than one so you can switch between buckets quickly as you’re emptying water.

Rely on Professionals

While these three tips can help mitigate the damage that a leak may cause, keep in mind that’s it’s no substitute for the work a trained professional can do. If you’re a novice at repair work, call a local plumbing company as soon as you spot a problem. The repair work done by experts can prevent maintenance issues in the future and keep your home in top condition. They are also available for routine check-ups and tweaks.

Nobody enjoys dealing with a plumbing problem. Hopefully these three tips can prevent flooding and costly damage. They’re fast and easy to do during a time that you might be frustrated or panicking, and can alleviate some of the water damage to your floors or walls.