What To Do When You Have a Burst Pipe

A burst pipe demands quick action. You want to avoid as much water damage as possible. The following tips from Hy-Pro Plumbing & Drain explain what to do before calling a professional emergency plumbing team.

How To Handle the First Stages of a Burst Pipe Plumbing Emergency 

Many people panic when they realize they have a burst pipe. Fear causes them to act irrationally. They might wrap a towel around the pipe or grab buckets for the water.

Instead of panicking, follow these steps.

Turn Off the Main Water Supply and Open a Faucet

Move children and pets out of the water’s path. Next, turn off the main water line. This stops a fresh flow from entering the pipe.

It’s easier to deal with the water already in the pipe instead of letting it replenish with the water source.

Opening a faucet expels built-up water pressure in the pipes.

Cover the Pipe With a Sleeve

If you have one, put a sleeve on the pipe. A sleeve serves as a temporary solution. It stops the water flow.

You should always keep a sleeve stocked in case of a burst pipe. Hardware stores sell them. While it’s on, limit plumbing usage.

Call a Plumber and Clean

Call before you clean. However, a plumber might not get there right away. While you wait, clean up the water.

Cleaning makes it easier for the plumber to work and helps reduce mold growth.

Wipe every bit of water you can reach with a towel. Eventually, you may need to call a professional cleaning service because water moves so quickly it’s almost impossible to see where it’s leaked.

Mold flourishes in damp spots, causing health hazards like:

• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Respiratory issues

After the plumber finishes the repair, get a professional cleaning team at your house as soon as possible if the flooring or walls still feel damp.

Photograph the Damage

Snap photos of the pipe and the damage it’s caused. They help with your insurance claim. 

If It’s Cold Outside, Turn Up the Heat

Cold weather is one of the main reasons that pipes burst. Let the pipes warm slowly. A sudden temperature change risks more cracks and leaks.

Ways To Reduce the Chances of a Burst Pipe

In cold weather, keep your thermostat set around 55 degrees or higher. It doesn’t matter if you’re home or how long you’re away. The house should be warm or you risk returning home to a burst pipe and a house full of water.

Insulating your pipes is another way to prevent a burst pipe.

However, the best way to prevent pipes from bursting is to schedule professional maintenance. Leak detection lets our team do a pipe repair before it becomes a major plumbing mishap. Some of the common pipe problems we find are minuscule leaks and corrosion. They lay the groundwork for a burst pipe.

Contact Hy-Pro Plumbing & Drain for Flood Prevention and 24/7 Emergency Services

To make an appointment for leak detection services essential to home flooding prevention, call Hy-Pro Plumbing & Drain at 877-554-9776.