Hopefully, you’re reading this in advance and not trying to solve a burst pipe right now. If it’s the latter, you need emergency plumbing done fast.
Never fear — you can take action now to stop that burst pipe from causing damage to your floors, walls, and anything else it happens to be spraying water on. Here’s what to do.
Turn Off the Water at the Main Supply
Turning off your main water supply is the first and most critical step. While it won’t stop the water flow immediately, it will lower your home’s water pressure and eventually stop the leak.
It’s essential that you know where your water shutoff valve is and how to operate it. You’ll typically find it on the water line that leads to the house. The valve may require a wrench or special tool to turn off, so make sure you have what you need handy in case of a plumbing emergency.
Run Faucets and Flush Toilets
This will help relieve the water pressure in the system as quickly as possible. By turning on all the faucets and flushing the toilets, you’ll be able to redirect the flow from the burst pipe quickly.
Find the Damaged Pipe
Unless the broken pipe is obvious, such as one that’s poking through a wall, it might not be easy to spot. For instance, you may have found out you need emergency plumbing because a mysterious puddle of water showed up in your living room out of nowhere.
You’ll need to track down the pipe to its exact location, then inspect as much of it as possible to ascertain the extent of the damage.
Add a Temporary Sleeve
If you need to continue using your water, you can put a temporary rubber sleeve or clamp over the broken part of the pipe. You’ll still need to schedule a permanent fix, however, or you run the risk of having it burst again.
Replace the Pipe
If you have the tools and the time, you can replace the pipe yourself. Take careful measurements and note the material the pipe is made from (PVC, copper, etc.). You can get a new section of pipe from your local hardware store in addition to any adhesive you may need.
If you don’t feel confident in handling this job yourself, call an emergency plumber to have them take care of it.
Dry Everything
To prevent further damage or mold and mildew growth, it’s important to clean and dry everything the water has touched. Your walls, floors, and ceilings can become severely damaged if water sits on them for too long. Depending on the situation, you may require a professional drying service in addition to emergency plumbing.
Keep Endless Energy Home Services in Your Contacts
Sure, you can always Google “emergency plumber near me.” But when that burst pipe is actively ruining your walls, you don’t want just any emergency plumbing service — you want the emergency plumbing service.
The technicians with Endless Energy Home Services arrive quickly and handle problems even quicker. We can even help you save money on your utility bills by recommending strategic methods to reduce your water usage.
When emergencies arise, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re ready to provide any emergency plumbing services you may need!
