Knowing what to do when a Pipe Bursts
Knowing what to do when a Pipe Burst or frozen and corroded, or aged piping in your home can results in the pipes bursting. If this happen to you it’s good to have the knowledge of how to control the flooding in order to lessen the chances of your home becoming more damaged. It is important to first shut off the main water supply with the main stop tap. This area is typically where the main service pipe connects to the home or under the kitchen sink. Let all the pipes drain out of water by turning on the cold taps. Next turn off the water heating system and run the hot water tap to help drain the water supply. Flushing toilets also can help in clearing out the rest of the water in the piping. Once this is done the leaking should stop if there is no more running through the taps. Remember to turn off the homes main electrical and to never touch anything electrical if it’s wet as this may result in serious injury. Locating the exact location of the break is important so you know what piping has to be repaired. If it a tiny crack a patch may fix the problem for a short while. If it is the main water pipe it should be repaired regardless of how badly it is damaged. Also check your home to see if pipes in walls or ceilings are leaking. Take notice to bulges or water spots in the ceiling. This is an indication that there is a leaking or broken pipe. Be careful when being around these areas with the chances of the ceiling collapsing. It is a good idea to contact a professional restoration company to have your home properly cleaned and dried. A professional plumper can make sure broken or cracked pipes are properly fixed. If electrical wiring is damaged contact an electrician. Also contact your insurance agency to file an insurance claim. You insurance agent will assist you in your policy. The agent will probably come to your home to inspect damages as well. While waiting for an insurance agent to assist you it is good to take pictures or video for documentation of the incident.
Knowing what types of piping you have can help in preventing water damage in your home. Homes usually have metal or plastic piping. If temperature fall below freezing there is a chance pipes could crack or burst. Metal piping over time can corrode from soil or minerals in the water line causing them to weaken. Be careful if you are doing construction in your home not to damage piping and if it happens have it repaired as soon as possible so no further damage occurs. Check to see if the water pressure isn’t too high causing pipes to burst. If piping is being installed make sure this procedure is done properly and not to use poor quality piping to assure pipes will hold.
