Every homeowner’s number one nightmare is a burst pipe. If something happens to your pipes, staying calm and minimising damage to your home and plumbing system is critical. Taking prompt action to fix a burst pipe will save you money on costly repairs and replacements. Discover what to do if your home is experiencing a plumbing emergency!
If a water pipe in your home bursts, you must act fast to avoid catastrophic water damage to your home and belongings. Knowing what to do if a water pipe bursts can save you money on costly plumbing and construction repairs.
Symptoms of a burst water pipe.
A burst water pipe may show warning signs before serious damage occurs. Keep an eye out for the following typical pipe burst symptoms:
- Varying water pressure.
- Discoloured, rusty water with an odd odour.
- Pipes clattering behind walls
- A sudden increase in your water bill.
- The formation of puddles beneath your sink.
If you see signs of a burst pipe, you must act swiftly to minimise the damage.
When a Pipe Bursts, What Should You Do First?
Turn off the water supply and drain the faucets.
When you discover a busted pipe, the first thing you should do is turn off the water. The sooner you complete this task, the greater your chances of minimising water damage. Water shut-off valves are usually located near water heaters, crawl spaces, and basements.
After turning off the water, open your faucets to drain any lingering cold water in your pipes. It will reduce pressure in your pipe system. Flush every toilet in the house. Any leaks should stop once the water stops flowing.
You may also need to turn off your electricity depending on the location and size of the leak. Take this precaution when you suspect leaky water has come into contact with any electrical outlets or your fuse box.
Find the burst pipe.
Your next step should be to determine the location of the pipe burst. If it looks to have been leaking for some time, enter rooms cautiously and look for bulging ceilings and other evidence of water damage. If you discover the leak early enough, place a bucket below to catch dripping water.
Documentation is required for an insurance claim.
If the damage from your burst pipe appears to be extensive, you should begin photographing the affected areas immediately and continue to do so throughout the process. “Take a close-up shot of everything that’s damaged, including water lines and wet things,” say the specialists at Reztor Restoration. Place a measuring tape to demonstrate how high the water is, then back up and take shots from various angles to show the portions of your property that have been damaged.” They also suggest briefly turning on the water to record a video of the leak.
When water damage happens, you normally have three days before microorganisms spread and mould begins to grow, so make a claim as soon as you find the leak. You can contact a regional public adjuster to determine what your homeowners’ coverage policy covers. They will evaluate your policy for free, so you know what to expect before filing an insurance claim.
Begin cleaning
After a burst pipe floods your house, it is crucial to dry the affected areas as quickly as possible. The longer water stays, the more likely mould will grow and more serious, long-term damage may occur.
How to Clean Up After a Water Leak and Save Valuable Items
If standing water is in any room, unplug all gadgets before salvaging any belongings. When recovering water-damaged belongings, prioritise items that are difficult or expensive to replace, such as vital documents, family heirlooms, computers, and televisions.
Dry wet areas.
Remove everything from the damaged areas, including soaked carpets and furniture.
If you’ve turned off the electricity or the standing water is shallow, you can dry damaged areas with old towels, mops, and buckets. If a burst pipe has flooded your home by a few inches or more, you should use a submersible pump or a wet/dry vacuum. These are available for rent or purchase at your local hardware store.
Open windows and set up fans and space heaters to speed up the drying process. Microbes can seep into your ducts and cause extra damage if you use your A/C system to dry up a flood.
Throw away ruined items.
After you’ve completed the emergency cleanup and repairs and have your insurance paperwork in order, it’s time to get rid of everything that has been harmed or is at risk of mould growth. Items to be disposed of include:
- Submerged carpeting, floors and walls.
- Cloth or upholstered furniture that has yet to be washed and dried within 48 hours.
- Submerged and damaged electronic devices
Concerned about the safety of any object, consult an expert. In this way, mould and bacteria will not be able to grow on any of the items stored. Consider renting a dumpster if you have a lot of trash to get rid of once you start cleaning.
Prevent mould growth by disinfecting and taking action.
Everything that has come into contact with the water leak must be thoroughly dried, cleaned, and disinfected. If your home has extensive water damage, consider hiring mould prevention and restoration specialists at this cleanup stage. These professionals are equipped with the necessary gear to detect moisture behind walls and beneath flooring, ensuring that the home is clear of mould and lingering water damage.
What Causes Pipes to Burst?
Cold water causes your pipes to compress, but frozen water causes your pipes to expand. That irregularity generates vulnerabilities in some areas of the pipe, which might lead it to break or explode. The inadequacy of the pipe to withstand the water pressures within it leads to damage such as expansion and breaking.
Taking Precautions in the Event of Frozen Pipe Damage
A common problem people confront at home is a busted pipe. Pipes can rupture in difficult environmental conditions for various reasons, including extremely cold temperatures. When temperatures drop below freezing, pipes can freeze, resulting in frozen pipe damage or burst pipes.
Whether metal or plastic, your pipes can expand or break and cause water damage to your property. A ruptured pipe also necessitates considerable repair costs. That is why it is critical to take all necessary precautions to prevent pipelines from bursting.
Cleanup Tips from Reztor Restoration Experts
Wipe down all your goods with a plant-based antibacterial, relocate them to a dry spot, and place fans on them until the insurance company arrives to determine whether they need to be professionally cleaned or thrown away.
Except for damaged walls and flooring, keep everything around until the insurance company arrives to assess the condition and grade of your belongings before filing your claim.
If you’ve been away from a water leak for more than 72 hours, mould has had a chance to spread. Since it’s graywater, it should be disposed of properly.
Contact a Water Damage Restoration Company and a Professional Plumber.
You should research and obtain a reputable plumber’s phone number. You can settle for whoever is available when your pipe bursts.
Plumbing prices vary depending on where the pipes are located and the extent of the damage. You will also need to contact a water damage professional if there is extensive water damage. Reztor Restorations is available at all times via phone at 1800 739 867 or online.
