Water pipes can burst for many reasons – freezing weather, a faulty pipe, or even an undetected crack. When this happens, it’s important to know what to do to minimize the water damage and keep the problem from getting worse.
Here are some tips on what you can do in case of a burst water pipe.
Contact A Professional
The first thing you should do is call a professional plumber. They will be able to fix the pipe and stop the water from leaking.
There are important benefits to calling a professional, including the benefit that they will have the necessary tools and knowledge to fix the pipe correctly, they will know how to prevent further water damage, and they may be covered by insurance.
You can also learn more about hiring a professional at https://cottongds.com/water-restoration/water-extraction and see why doing it yourself can be tricky. Because, if you try to fix the pipe yourself, you could make the problem worse. Leave it to the professionals.
The Different Reasons Why Pipes Burst
Pipes can burst for many reasons. The most common reason is because of the cold weather. When water freezes, it expands, and this can cause immense pressure on the pipes, leading to them bursting.
This is why it’s so important to keep your home heated during the winter months – to prevent your pipes from freezing.
Another common reason for a pipe burst is an undetected crack in the pipe. Over time, these cracks can become larger and eventually lead to a break in the pipe.
It’s important to have regular maintenance checks on your plumbing to ensure that any potential problems are caught early on.
Preventing Pipes Freezing
One of the best ways to prevent pipes from freezing is by installing some type of insulation on the pipes. You can buy pipe insulation at most hardware stores, and it’s an easy way to help keep your pipes warm.
If you’re going away for an extended period in the winter, you can also turn off the water supply to your house so that the pipes don’t freeze.
Turn Off The Water Supply
Once you’ve contacted a professional, turn off the water supply to the burst pipe. This will minimize the amount of water that is leaking and save you money on your water bill. You can do this by turning off the main water valve for your house.
Additionally, if the burst pipe is in your yard, you may need to turn off the water in the street. Turning off the water supply will also help the professional plumber to fix the pipe more quickly.
Additionally, you will need to turn off any appliances that use water, such as the dishwasher and washing machine.
Clean Up The Water
Once you’ve turned off the water supply and contacted a professional, it’s time to start cleaning up the water that has leaked.
This involves mopping up any standing water, drying out wet areas, and removing any damaged items. If possible, move the soaked items to a dry area so they can continue to air out and prevent mold growth.
You should also remove any excess water from surfaces with a wet/dry vacuum. Finally, use fans and dehumidifiers to help dry out the area. If you don’t do this on time, you may end up with water damage and a mold problem.
Prevent Future Problems
After you’ve fixed the immediate problem, it’s important to take steps to prevent future problems.
This includes insulating your pipes, so they don’t freeze in the winter, checking for cracks and leaks regularly, and repairing any damage to your pipes. Taking these steps can help you avoid another water pipe burst in the future.
Installing Quality Pipes
If you’re concerned about your water pipes bursting, you may want to invest in quality pipes. This is especially true if you live in an area with severe weather conditions.
There are many types of quality pipes on the market, so you’ll need to do some research to find the right ones for your home.
But, installing quality pipes can help you avoid future water pipe problems and save you money in the long run.
Burst water pipes can cause a lot of damage, but with these tips, you can minimize the damage and get your home back to normal. Contact a professional plumber as soon as possible to fix the pipe and stop the water from leaking.
Then, start cleaning up the water and drying out the area. Finally, take steps to prevent future problems. By following these tips, you can deal with a burst water pipe quickly and efficiently.