What To Do With A Burst Water Main
Key Takeaways:
- A burst pipe is a plumbing emergency that can cause extensive property damage if not dealt with quickly and correctly.
- Pipe bursts are usually caused by one of three things: frozen pipes, poor pipe installation, or high water pressure.
- Homeowners can take several steps to deal with a pipe burst until a plumber arrives, including shutting off the water supply and turning off the electricity.
- Insulating your pipes is among the best ways to prevent them from bursting in the first place.
We all know that plumbing emergencies can strike anytime, and one of the most common emergencies is when a pipe bursts. They are very costly in terms of repairs and extra fees for utilities and additional damage. So, it is essential to know how to handle the situation to reduce the damage and get things back to normal as quickly as possible.
Premier Plumb ers offers a guide on burst pipes and how to deal with them. We’ve included some emergency plumbing tips to help you with plumbing repairs until the professionals arrive. Also, we’ve added some tips to prevent the problem from happening in the future.
What Causes Burst Pipes?
Have you noticed water gushing from a pipe in your home and wondered what is going on? That’s a burst pipe! Depending on the severity, the water pressure, especially from the main pipeline, can cause extensive damage to property infrastructure. According to reports, 29% of homeowner claims result from water damage. And pipe bursts are the main reason for these claims.
Several things: can cause a pipe to burst
1. Extreme Cold Weather
When water freezes, it expands. This expansion puts incredible pressure on the pipes and can cause them to burst.
2. Clogs
Clogs in your pipes can cause a build-up of water pressure, eventually leading to a pipe burst.
3. Sudden Pressure Changes
Sudden changes in water pressure can also cause pipes to burst. It could cause a problem with the municipal water supply or a leak in a different home area.
4. Poor Pipe Quality
If your pipes are old or made from substandard materials, they’re more likely to burst under pressure.
5. Ground Movement
Changes in the ground can also stress your pipes and cause them to burst. It is most likely to happen during an earthquake, but it could also be caused by construction work or subsidence.
6. Pipe Corrosion
Over time, the material your pipes are made from will deteriorate. It is especially true for metal pipes prone to rust and corrosion.
How To Deal with Burst Water Main?
When the main water bursts, it can release gallons of water per minute, causing extensive damage to your property. Suppose the problem isn’t dealt with in 24 hours. In that case, you could have wasted tens of thousands of gallons of water and seen thousands of dollars for dealing with utility and damaged property costs. Here’s how to deal with a burst pipe situation until you get emergency plumbing.
1. Immediately Call in a Professional Plumbing Repair Service
If you notice a pipe burst, you should first call in a professional plumbing repair service. Emergency plumbing should be able to quickly assess the damage and repair the pipe burst to avoid any further water damage.
Calling in a professional will allow alerting relevant services to get your repair fixed to avoid any other plumbing issues.
2. Turn Off the Main Water Supply Valve
Next, turn off the main water supply valve. It will help prevent more water from flowing through the damaged pipe and causing further damage. Once you’ve turned off the main water supply, look at the burst pipe to determine the extent of the damage.
3. Switch off Electrical Appliances Nearby
Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. As such, it’s essential to switch off any electrical appliances that may have been affected by the water. It includes anything plugged into an outlet near the burst pipe and circuit breakers for any affected area. Once you’ve switched off all electronics on the site, you can assess the damage caused by the water.
4. Assess the Extent of Damage Caused by Pipe Burst
Once you’ve located the problem source, it’s time to assess the damage. If the pipe burst is minor, you can do plumbing repairs yourself with a plumbing repair kit. If you’re unsure how to repair it, it’s better to contact a professional.
5. Clean Up Any Water
It’s time to remove the excess water. It may involve using a wet/dry vacuum to suck up small amounts of water, towels, and buckets to remove more significant amounts of standing water. The goal is to reduce as much water as possible to prevent further damage.
6. Quickly Dry the Area
Once you’ve removed all the water you can, it’s essential to ensure the drying area is well-ventilated. It means opening windows and using fans and dehumidifiers. The goal is to dry out the site as quickly as possible to prevent further damage or the growth of mold and mildew.
7. Contact Your Insurance Company
Take photos or video of the damage caused by the pipe burst and contact your insurance company as soon as possible. They will likely send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine if you are covered. Through it, you could minimize the cost of emergency repairs.
8. Check for Further Leaks
Once the immediate flooding has been taken care of, it’s essential to check your home for further leaks. Check all exposed pipes and fixtures, and look for any water stains on ceilings or walls. These could be signs of a hidden leak that needs to be addressed.
How to Prevent Future Pipe Bursts?
After your residential plumber has fixed the pipe burst, you must take protective measures to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Here are some valuable tips to consider to prevent the problem from occurring in the years to come:
- Use a water pressure regulator: Installing a water pressure regulator helps to protect your home’s plumbing system from the damaging effects of high-water pressure.
- Educate yourself on the signs of a pipe burst: Be on the lookout for any telltale signs that a pipe is about to burst, such as unusual changes in water pressure, strange noises coming from the pipes, or leaks. If you notice any of these signs, call a plumber right away.
- Insulate your pipes: This is especially important in wintertime when cold temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and burst. Pipe insulation is relatively inexpensive and easy to install. It could save you a lot of money in emergency plumbing repairs.
Conclusion
If you find yourself dealing with a pipe burst, don’t panic. Turn off your home’s main water supply and call a plumber immediately. In the meantime, follow the steps above to minimize damage to your home.
Pipe bursts are, unfortunately, a typical plumbing emergency, but they don’t have to be a nightmare. With some knowledge and preparation, you can handle a pipe burst like a pro.
If you need emergency plumbing help in Bradenton, FL , consider Premier Plumbers . We are plumbing providers offering commercial and residential property repair, maintenance, and installation services. You can call any time, whether dealing with a clog or needing sewer repairs. Contact us today to get a free quote.
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