A burst pipe can quickly turn into a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Within minutes, gallons of water can flood your home, causing extensive damage to walls, floors, furniture, and personal belongings. And long after the leak has been contained, you could still be dealing with structural issues and the growth of mold and mildew. To minimize the chances of extensive damage like this, it’s important to know exactly what to do when a pipe bursts. By acting fast, you can help control the situation and protect your property.
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
The first thing you need to do when a pipe bursts in your home is to stop the flow of water. Locate your main water shut-off valve, usually found in your basement, crawlspace, or near your water meter, and turn it off.
How do you know if it’s time to reach for that water shut-off valve? Since timing is of the essence in one of these situations, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with the signs of a burst pipe:
- Pooling water around your property
- Water stains on walls or ceilings (be sure to look for discoloration, bubbling, or peeling paint)
- Damp or musty odors around your home
- A noticeable drop in water pressure
- Unusually high water bills without increased usage
- The sound of running water when no taps are open
If any of these problems sound familiar, err on the side of caution and turn off your home’s water supply. Then, call your local plumbing company for an inspection.
Step 2: Turn Off Electricity to Affected Areas
Water and electricity create a dangerous combination. If water is near electrical outlets or appliances, shut off power to those areas at your circuit breaker. This precaution helps prevent electrical hazards while dealing with standing water.
Step 3: Contact a Professional Plumber
While some might be tempted to try DIY repairs, a burst pipe requires the expertise of a professional plumber. An experienced technician can:
- Accurately diagnose the cause of the pipe burst
- Assess the full extent of damage to your piping
- Make necessary repairs to prevent future issues
- Inspect other potentially vulnerable pipes
Step 4: Drain the Faucets and Toilets
After shutting off the water supply, and while you wait for a plumber, open all your cold water faucets to drain any remaining water from your pipes. This step relieves any remaining pressure in the pipe system and prevents additional leaks or bursts. Don’t forget to flush your toilets as well to empty their tanks.
Next, turn off your water heater and open the hot water faucets to drain those lines as well. Draining both the hot and cold water lines in your home ensures there is no water left in your plumbing system that could contribute to further flooding.
Step 5: Document the Damage
Before beginning any cleanup, take photos and videos of all visible damage. This documentation will be crucial when filing an insurance claim. Make sure to capture both the burst pipe itself and any resulting water damage to your property.
Step 6: Clean Up Any Standing Water
The sooner you can start drying up standing water, the better. Use mops, towels, or a wet-dry vacuum if you have one. Promptly removing water will help minimize water damage to your flooring, furniture, and walls and will reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth. For help with this process, consider contacting a local restoration company. They can set up fans and dehumidifiers around the affected area to speed up the drying.
Step 7: Assess and Move Belongings
Remove wet items, furniture, and valuables from the affected area. Some items may need professional cleaning or restoration, while others might need to be documented for your insurance claim and then discarded.
Step 8: Identify the Cause of the Burst Pipe
As soon as your plumber arrives on the scene, they will begin inspecting your plumbing to determine the source of the problem. After repairing the problematic pipe, they will provide an explanation of why the line broke in the first place. When you can understand what caused the pipe to burst in the first place, you can take steps to prevent similar issues in the future.
Pipes often burst due to freezing temperatures, but high water pressure, corrosion, and age can also weaken pipes over time:
- If the burst pipe is due to freezing, consider insulating exposed pipes to protect them from cold temperatures in the future.
- If the problem was water pressure related, make it a point to regularly check your home’s pressure and adjust it if necessary.
- If the pipe broke due to age or corrosion, have a licensed plumber inspect your plumbing every year to reduce the chances of pipes breaking in the future.
Step 9: File an Insurance Claim
Contact your homeowner’s insurance provider as soon as possible. Most policies cover sudden pipe bursts and resulting water damage. Have your documentation ready and be prepared to explain:
- When you discovered the burst pipe
- What immediate actions you took
- Any visible damage to your property
- Professional assessments from your plumber
Burst Pipe? Call Curtis Total Service Now!
Dealing with a burst pipe can be a stressful experience, but knowing what to do can make a big difference. By acting quickly, you can minimize damage and protect your home from costly repairs. When it’s time to call a plumber, contact Curtis Total Service. Our professional plumbers are experienced in handling emergencies and can quickly restore the performance of your plumbing. Call today for a plumbing repair service!