When a plumbing disaster strikes, don't panic and stay informed. Unfortunately, plumbing emergencies are more common than most of us think, and that can be distressing for homeowners, especially those of us who are less prepared than we'd like to be. However, knowing about 2 of the most common emergencies can help you to take action should the time come. Here's what you should look out for: Sump Pump Failure A damaged sump pump can really put a damper on your day (no pun intended). A sump pump functions as an emergency device that redirects water away from your home. So, what do you do if your emergency backup plan isn't in order? Your best shot at saving your home from a flood is to practice prevention. Make sure your sump pump isn't clogged, and if so, do some internal cleaning before the weather calls for heavy storms. Double-check that it can power on properly and that the switch isn't jammed. And, for tips on how to handle a flood, check out our most re...