Grouped below are emergencies that may occur and the action to take.
The name, address, and phone number of a plumber who offers 24-hour
service should be posted in a conspicuous place.
_Burst pipe or tank._--Immediately cut off the flow of water by closing
the shutoff valve nearest to the break. Then arrange for repair.
_Water closet overflow._--Do not use water closet until back in working
order. Check for and remove stoppage in closet bowl outlet, drain line
from closet to sewer, or sewer or septic tank. If stoppage is due to
root entry into pipe, repair of pipe at that point is recommended.
_Rumbling noise in hot water tank._--This is likely a sign of
overheating which could lead to the development of explosive pressure
(Another indication of overheating is hot water backing up in the
cold-water supply pipe.) Cut off the burner immediately. Be sure that
the pressure-relief valve is operative. Then check (with a thermometer)
the temperature of the water at the nearest outlet. If above that
for which the gage is set, check the thermostat that controls burner
cutoff. If you cannot correct the trouble, call a plumber.
_Cold house._--If the heating system fails (or if you close the house
and turn off the heat) when there is a chance of subfreezing weather,
completely drain the plumbing system. A drain valve is usually provided
at the low point of the water supply piping for this purpose. A pump,
storage tank, hot-water tank, water closet tank, water-treatment
apparatus, and other water-system appliances or accessories should also
be drained. Put antifreeze in all fixture and drain traps.
Hot-water and steam heating systems should also be drained when the
house temperature may drop below freezing.