A burst pipe can be catastrophic, and handling it the right way can be the difference in hundreds or thousands of dollars in damages to your home. Bookmark this blog or create a poster in your home to outline what steps to take when dealing with a burst pipe.
My Pipe Burst! Now What?
Time is of the essence when a pipe is leaking. The first and most important step in any plumbing emergency:
- Turn off the water at the source. When a leaking or spewing pipe is forcing water into your home, the first thing you need to do is stop the water. Make sure everyone at home knows where and how to operate the water main. Turning this off can save you a lot of money when it comes to water damage.
- Turn off the power. If you haven’t caught the problem until water levels have risen or if you can’t find the water main before the level of water reaches the outlet, turn off the electricity in your home as well as the water. This will help keep you safe from shock as you slog through the water.
- Drain the pipes. Once your safety has been assured, turn the faucets on cold and let them run. Flush toilets and turn the shower on. This will help remove water standing in the pipes before repairs can commence.
- Call for help. Unless you have extensive experience or training with plumbing, the next thing you should do is to call your local plumber to have them come out and assess all the damage. After their inspection, they can help you determine the next steps to get your home back up and running as usual.
Keep these tips as well as our number on the fridge or in another common area of the home, so everyone in the family knows what to do in this plumbing emergency. (323) 319-4102