There’s nothing quite like the shock of discovering water gushing from a burst pipe in your home. Whether it happens during the coldest winter months or as a surprise after a regular day, dealing with a pipe burst can be a stressful situation for any homeowner. It’s not something anyone prepares for, but knowing the right steps to take can help you minimize the damage and prevent further headaches.
In this blog, we’ll go over the essential things to do when a pipe bursts in your home. You’ll learn how to tackle the initial chaos, what signs to look for, and how to prevent future plumbing disasters.
Immediate Steps to Take When a Pipe Bursts
When you realize a pipe has burst in your home, it’s easy to panic. But the most important thing you can do is act quickly. Time is of the essence when water is pouring out, and a few immediate actions can reduce the potential damage. Let’s discuss what to do when a pipe bursts.
Turn Off the Water
The very first thing you should do if a pipe bursts is to turn off your main water supply. The last thing you need is water gushing throughout your house and soaking floors, walls, and furniture. Find the main shut-off valve, usually located near your water heater or in the basement, and turn it off. This will stop any more water from flooding your home.
Drain the Faucets
After shutting off the water, drain faucets to relieve pressure left in the pipes. Open all the cold-water faucets in the house and let the water run until it stops. You should also flush the toilets. This is one of the most important things to do when a pipe bursts in your home, as it will reduce the amount of water left in the plumbing system, minimizing further damage.
Catch the Dripping Water
To avoid water damage spreading, place a bucket underneath the burst pipe to catch any remaining dripping water. You may also want to grab towels and start mopping up standing water to prevent water from seeping into your floors and walls.
Shut Off the Electricity
Water and electricity don’t mix. If the burst pipe is near electrical outlets, appliances, or your fuse box, it’s important to shut off the power to avoid electrical hazards. If you’re not sure how to safely do this, call a professional immediately.
Contact an Emergency Plumber
Once you’ve managed the immediate danger, it’s time to call an emergency plumber for assistance. Environment Masters offers emergency plumbing services for exactly this reason. Trying to fix the problem yourself can sometimes make it worse, so it’s best to let an experienced plumber handle the actual repairs.
What to Do After the Burst Pipe Is Under Control
After you’ve dealt with the water flow, there are still a few critical things you need to do to protect your home from long-term damage. Below, let’s review what to do when a pipe bursts and you’ve mostly gotten it under control.
Remove Standing Water and Begin the Drying Process
Standing water is a big problem because it can lead to mold, mildew, and even structural damage if not dealt with quickly. Are you standing in your kitchen or bathroom in a panic, wondering what to do when a pipe bursts and you’ve controlled the water flow? Take a deep breath. If you have a wet vacuum, use it to remove excess water from floors and carpets. Then, set up fans and dehumidifiers to help with the drying process.
Be sure to check crawl spaces and unfinished basements where water can easily hide. Getting all the water out of these hard-to-reach areas is critical in preventing further damage down the line.
Check for Warning Signs of Damage
Burst pipes can weaken other parts of your plumbing system, leading to issues like water leaks or corroded pipes. Look for signs of corrosion, warped flooring, water stains on walls, and unusual pipe movement. If you spot any of these warning signs, call a plumber to assess the damage.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Burst pipes can be costly to repair, and water damage is a serious issue for homeowners. The good news is, your homeowners insurance policy may help cover the costs. Call your insurance agent or insurance company to file a claim and see if your policy includes coverage for water damage caused by a broken pipe. Some policies even have water backup coverage that can help with these types of emergencies.
However, it’s important to remember that not all types of water damage are covered. For example, damage caused by frozen pipes may not be included unless you’ve taken steps to prevent it. Always check with your insurance provider to know what’s typically covered.
How to Prevent Pipes From Bursting
As you can see, there are many important things to do when a pipe bursts in your home. Equally critical, though, is knowing how to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Nobody wants to deal with the hassle of a burst pipe more than once, so taking steps to prevent future damage is key. Here are a few preventative measures you can take to avoid a similar situation.
Insulate Vulnerable Pipes
Exposed or poorly insulated pipes are more likely to burst, especially when temperatures drop. Insulate vulnerable pipes in your attic, basement, or crawl spaces to prevent water freezing and causing the pipes to expand and burst.
Let Faucets Drip in Cold Weather
When the forecast calls for freezing temperatures, let a few faucets drip slowly. This keeps the water flowing through the pipes, reducing the risk of freezing. Even a small stream of water can relieve the extreme water pressure that builds up when water freezes in the pipes.
Fix Leaky or Corroded Pipes
Older pipes made of materials like copper are more prone to corrosion, especially if exposed to certain water’s pH levels or extreme water pressure. Over time, corrosion weakens the pipes, making them more likely to burst. It’s important to keep an eye out for leaks and fix any corroded pipes before they become bigger problems.
If you’re dealing with frequent leaks or old pipes, you might want to schedule repiping services to prevent future issues. A professional can inspect your pipe system and replace worn-out sections before they fail.
Use Space Heaters in Vulnerable Areas
If you have pipes running through areas prone to cold, like garages or basements, consider using a space heater to keep the area warm. This can help prevent the pipes from freezing, especially during a cold snap.
Install a Leak Detection System
For extra peace of mind, you might want to install a leak detection system in your home. These systems monitor your plumbing system and alert you to potential leaks or water flowing when it shouldn’t be. This way, you can act quickly and stop a small leak before it becomes a major plumbing emergency.
Call Environment Masters to Handle Your Plumbing Emergency!
Are you wondering, “What do I do if I have a burst pipe in my home?” By following these steps, you can minimize the damage from a burst pipe and make sure your home stays safe and dry.
When you’re dealing with a burst pipe, whether it’s a small leak or a full-blown plumbing emergency, acting quickly is key. The sooner you address the problem, the less damage your home will suffer. At Environment Masters, we specialize in fast and reliable plumbing repair in Jackson, MS, and the surrounding areas.
Don’t wait until the problem gets worse. Now that you know what to do when a pipe bursts, schedule service with our experienced plumbers today to get your home’s plumbing system back in shape!
