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What To Do When A Pipe Bursts In My Home

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what to do when a pipe bursts

Aside from catastrophes and natural disasters, a burst pipe is another nuisance for a homeowner like you. Knowing what to do when a pipe bursts in your home is very important. Because if not, you may have to deal with significant water damage.

This article will show you how to recognize the signs of a damaged water pipe and what to do when a pipe bursts in your home.

 

Signs of a Burst Pipe

In some cases, a damaged water pipe can show some warning signs before it could cause serious damage. So, watch out for signs of a pipe burst. This includes:

Puddles that form under the sink

One of the easiest ways to know that you are dealing with a burst pipe is the puddles of water. Carefully check the wall above the pipe cover plates for any moist areas. Also, when the leak occurs, the water will begin to accumulate in the area directly below the damaged pipe. So, you can easily know if you are dealing with a busted pipe.

Fluctuating water pressure

When the water pressure goes up and down, it might be because of the busted pipe that occurred in your home. With a burst pipe, the water pressure changes. It can also affect how the water travels through water pipes.

Discolored water with the rusty smell

Discoloration of water is another good indication of a burst pipe. The water can normally appear in red/brown in color. Damaged pipes can release microscopic rust particles that can cause water to discolor.

Similar to the discoloration of water, a strange smell is also a sign of a busted pipe. So, make sure to keep an eye on these signs.

Pipes making clanging noises

A broken pipe can have an impact on the water pressure throughout your home and cause movement in the system. When the water flows, pipes begin to bang and rub at tension points and cause clanging noises behind walls. What is even worse about it, is the more friction there is the bigger the breakage would be.

Increase in your water bill

Excess amounts of water from leaks or breaks can waste around 100 gallons every year. When multiplied, this leakage can cause your water bill to suddenly spike. Also, a busted pipe can cause homeowners to use more water than normal because a burst has affected the water pressure.

 

What To Do When A Pipe Bursts in Your Home

When things get out of control and you have to deal with a burst pipe, follow these steps.

1. Turn off the water and drain the faucets

To locate the burst pipe, start by turning off the water supply at its main shutoff valve. It’s very important to immediately do it. The sooner you turn off the water supply to your home, the better your chances are of minimizing water damage. The main shutoff valve is usually located near your water heater, in your basement, or crawl space.

After turning off the water, open the faucets to drain the remaining water in your pipes. This will help take off some of the pressure on the pipes and prevent further leakage. Also, flush all the toilets to drain the water from them. Once the water is completely drained, the leak will stop.

2. Turn off the power supply

Always turn off your home’s electricity at the main power supply before you begin repairing your damaged pipe.

3. Call a plumber

what to do when a pipe bursts

As soon as possible, call a professional to handle the repairs.  Contact a professional plumber to diagnose the problem and do the necessary repairs. Furthermore, if there is damage to the electrical system, contact a reliable electrician.

4. Document the damage

If the damage caused by your burst pipe appears to be extensive, you should begin taking photos and even videos of the affected areas and personal belongings. These materials will be used when filing an insurance claim. Take a close-up photo of every item that has been damaged, along with the water lines. Take as many photos as you can because the more you have, the greater your chances of getting a claim.

5. Start cleaning the water

To prevent further water damage, remove any standing water as soon as possible. When a pipe bursts, water can cause extensive damage to your home and personal belongings. But the sooner you clean the water, the less likely you are to deal with irreparable damage to your belongings. Also, when you remove the water quickly, you can prevent mold and mildew growth.

  • Knowing what to do when a pipe bursts in your home can help you prevent water damage and minimize the risks of electrical hazards, mold growth, and other potential issues. By taking quick and decisive action, you can mitigate the damage, protect your property and possessions, and ensure the safety of yourself and your family.

DIY Tips for Cleaning Your Flooded Home 

1. Remove any excess water that you can from the affected area. These might include carpets, furniture, and electronics. Keep them in a safe, dry place.

2. You can use old towels, a mop, and a bucket to dry the affected area. You may also consider using a wet-dry vacuum to quickly and efficiently remove standing water.

3. If you have to thaw a frozen pipe, turn on the heating system to do it. But, never use a hair dryer as it can damage the pipe itself.

4. Keep windows and doors open to allow fresh air or warm air in. Set up fans and dehumidifiers for additional airflow. This also helps in drying the affected area.

5. If the broken pipes are located behind a kitchen wall, make sure to dry out all nearby cabinets and drawers after the cleanup.

 

What To Do When a Pipe Bursts? Hire Professional Water Damage Restoration Services

What to do when a pipe bursts in your property?

If your home suffers from water damage due to a burst pipe, contact a reliable water damage restoration company. A restoration company, like Superior Restoration, will take care of the water damage cleanup, as well as offer mold remediation/removal services.

Water Damage Murrieta (of Superior Restoration) has a team of experienced professionals ready to help you with complete water damage restoration and cleanup services. Contact our office today for more information.

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