It’s that time of year again. Temperatures are dropping, pipes are freezing and that can lead to pipes bursting! If you have a burst pipe in your home, it is important to take immediate action. Not only can a burst pipe create a mess, but it can also lead to costly repairs if not taken care of quickly. Here are the steps to take when dealing with a burst pipe:
1. Shut Off The Water Supply:
The first step is to quickly shut off the main water supply. Shutting off the water supply will help minimize the damage caused by flooding. The water flow may happen rapidly, so it is important to act quickly.
2. Collect Any Excess Water:
If possible, it’s a good idea to try and collect as much of the excess water as you can before it causes extensive damage to your property. Depending on how much water flooded in, you may be able to get the majority of the water out relatively quickly. If it was a larger amount of water expelled into your home, you will want to contact a contractor and plumber to help with removal as soon as possible to help mitigate significant structural damage.
3. Contact A Plumber:
Once you have shut off the water supply and collected any excess water, it’s time to contact a qualified plumber. They can help identify the source of the problem and provide advice on how to best repair it. While this is an emergent situation, still do your best to shop around and find a qualified plumber and repairman to assist with the burst pipe, or you may end up in the same situation down the line.
4. Have The Pipe Repaired:
The next step is to fix or replace the broken pipe. Depending on what caused the burst, it may be necessary to replace the entire pipe or just a portion of it. Weather related pipe bursting can be a portion of replacement, but if the piping system is compromised completely or the bursting pipe reveals rust damage or wearing from age, you may have a larger project on your hands.
5. Turn The Water Supply Back On:
Once the plumber has completed their repairs, you can turn the water supply back on and check for any remaining leaks. If there are no more problems, then you should be able to use your water supply as normal.
6. Take Preventative Measures:
Be sure to take steps to prevent a burst pipe from happening in the future. This may include insulating your pipes and having them regularly checked by a professional plumber. Regular maintenance can help you save money on costly repairs down the road.
Taking immediate action when dealing with a burst pipe can help you avoid an expensive repair bill. Be sure to shut off the main water supply, collect any excess water and contact a qualified plumber right away. Once repairs have been made, you can turn the water supply back on and take preventative steps to avoid future problems. With these tips in mind, you can be sure your home is safe and secure from burst pipes.