If your pipe has burst and you don’t know what to do, then don’t panic! Coming home to discover a burst pipe can be a scary and worrying experience, however, the good news is that knowing what steps to take in the immediate aftermath can minimize the amount of damage to your home. Burst pipes tend to be the result of a drop in temperature causing water to freeze over, and can create a puddle or even flow of water in your home that can lead to significant damage if not responded to quickly. So, if you get home one day to find that a pipe has burst, here are the steps to take to quickly rectify the problem.
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Tip #1. Call a Plumber:
It goes without saying that you should always call a plumber if you return home to find that a pipe has burst. Even if you’re able to stave off the flow of water for a while, only an experienced professional will be able to get to the root of the problem and fix it quickly to ensure that further damage does not occur. If your pipe has burst near any electrical wiring, then it’s important to stay out of the house and also call an electrician as this could lead to a potentially extremely dangerous situation. Switching off the electricity at the mains, if possible, is also advised. However, speak to your electrician first who will be able to give you more detailed and specific advice on what to do.
Tip #2. Shut off the Water:
Immediately after discovering a burst pipe in your home, you should shut off the water’s main supply as quickly as possible. This will stop the flow of water to the burst pipe and ensure that the water leaking into your home is kept to a minimum. In general, most homes will have the mains water valve, also known as a stop cock, underneath their bathroom sink. If you cannot find yours, then speak to your plumber who may be able to give you more information on where you can find it.
Tip #3. Clear the Pipes:
After shutting off the main water supply, it’s a good idea to clear the pipes of any water to prevent the flow towards the burst pipe. You can easily do this by running the faucets in your kitchen sink or bathtub until there is no water left coming out. See The Plumbing Info for more advice.
Tip #4. Clear the Area:
If your leaking pipe has burst in a basement or other enclosed area such as a room, then bear in mind that standing water, even if the water supply is turned off, can quickly damage your belongings in your home. If possible, it’s a good idea to move any items from the immediate area into safety until you are able to clear the water up. However, if the water has leaked near electrical devices or wiring, then it’s best to just cut your losses and wait for the professionals to arrive.
If these tips helped, we’d love to hear from you in the comments!
