Waterfalls are great in a national park, but less so in your living room. If the worst plumbing disaster happens and a pipe bursts in your home, the first thing to do is not panic.
But after coolly assessing the situation, what should you do? What steps can you take to sort out the problem and minimize the damage?
Read on for our guide to what to do when a pipe bursts.
Signs a Pipe Has Burst
This may sound obvious, but not all burst pipes cause water to cascade down your walls. There may be more subtle signs that you have a problem with your home’s plumbing.
The first sign may actually be a change in water pressure. If you notice that it’s slowing to a trickle, or is noticeably lower than usual, a burst pipe could be the issue.
You may also notice small patches emerging on ceilings or walls. This could indicate that there’s a small leak. If you let them continue, they will start to cause serious cosmetic and structural issues.
It’s also possible that you only notice a burst pipe when you receive a huge water bill! All that escaping water still has to be paid for.
However you find out about it, you need to take prompt action. Hiring a plumber is the only option. Check out snydersphc.com for plumbers in Northland Kansas City.
What To Do When a Pipe Bursts
There’s only one answer to what to do when a pipe bursts, and that’s call a plumber. This is very unlikely to be a DIY job unless you have plumbing training. Finding the leak and fixing it is a job for a professional.
Before the plumber arrives, there are a few important things for you to do. The first is to shut off the mains water supply.
Everyone should familiarize themselves with where this is located. It’s often near your water heater.
The next thing to do is drain the system of water that is still in it. You can do this by running all the cold faucets until they are dry. Flush the toilets as well.
Next, shut off your water heating system. Then drain all the hot water faucets as well.
This protects your property in a couple of ways. Firstly, there’ll be no more water left in the system to leak out. Secondly, there won’t be any water sitting in the pipes that can freeze.
Think About the Electrics
When you have these kinds of plumbing problems, large volumes of water can accumulate pretty quickly. Just like when there is a flood, plumbing issues are not your only concern.
If you even suspect that the water from the leaking pipe has come into contact with your electrics, shut them off. Don’t take a risk. Let the professionals advise you when it’s safe to put them back on.
Don’t Take Risks When a Pipe Bursts
Now you know what to do when a pipe bursts! Sure, it’s a major hassle and you’ll need help to solve this particular plumbing issue. But don’t take risks, and follow the safety precautions above.
If you’ve enjoyed this article, we’ve got plenty more for you! Head over to our Home and Decor section for more hints and tips to get the best out of your pad.
