What To Do If A Pipe Bursts In Your Home?
In Houston, TX, homeowners wonder what to do when a pipe bursts in their homes. Though the problem rarely happens, knowing what to do when a pipe bursts somewhere in your home is essential. Homeowners with no knowledge of the subject often face water damage to their floors, walls, and precious possessions.
When you follow these tips, your home faces less water damage, and you can promptly manage a pipe burst until a plumber arrives.
My Pipes Burst - Quick Guide
Turn off the main.
Drain faucets.
Clean up the water.
Call a plumber that provides emergency services.
If the pipes are frozen, let them warm up.
Ventilate the area to allow the wet areas to dry.
If the pipes are not frozen, consider applying a repair sleeve.
Keep reading for more detailed instruction.
7 Steps To Take If Your Pipes Burst
Homeowners have more control over pipe bursts than they think. While actual repairs must be left for professionals, there are some things you can do to minimize the water damage. These require little plumbing knowledge and are quick ways to keep water from important items in your home. Before your plumber arrives, implement these simple tricks.
Turn off main. Before anything else, turn off the water supply. You don’t want any new water in the pipe system when there is a burst. The water already in the system is easier to deal with than any new water. Wait to turn the water back on until the plumber says you are able. (Watch the YouTube video to the right or below, if you need help turning off the main shut-off valve.)
Drain faucets. Drain your faucets to remove the water left in the system. Water removal takes some pressure off the pipes and ensures they’re dry, so no more water leaks. Flush toilets multiple times to drain the water out of those. Start with cold water, then move to hot water. Make sure the boiler or water heater is off when you do this.
Clean the water. Clear away any water quickly to avoid excess water damage. Some water damage is inevitable when a pipe burst, but the sooner you clean the water, the less likely you will experience irreparable damage to your possessions. Fast cleanup also ensures mold and mildew don’t grow. The longer the water stays, the more likely these substances are to grow, so clean and dry the area quickly.
Call a plumber. Next, call a plumber. Do this as soon as possible to keep the damage as minimal as possible. You never know when the plumber can come to your home, so call as soon as possible to keep the wait time down. The plumber diagnoses the cause, talks solutions, and fixes the problem. Preventative maintenance also prevents a burst pipe, so schedule maintenance visits throughout the year to keep this problem at bay. If your pipe damage is due to aging plumbing, call We Do Repipes to discuss replumbing your whole house to prevent future issues.
Let in warm air. Frozen pipes must warm slowly to prevent further damage. To do this, turn up the heat in your home. If the heat isn’t enough, use a hairdryer to warm the pipes. Though slow, this heats the pipes slow enough to prevent any more breaks. Drastic temperature changes cause the pipe to burst.
Ventilate the area. To circulate warm air, keep doors open. Rooms with exposed pipes need more air circulation to dry the wet areas. You want the pipes to dry as quickly as possible, so ensure that air flows consistently. The warmer the air, the faster the water dries.
Repair sleeve. Repair sleeves temporarily fix a burst pipe. Do not use a repair sleeve on pipes that burst during a freeze. Continuing to run your water can cause additional water lines to fail. Slip the sleeve on the pipe to cover the hole or mend the break. This keeps the water in the pipe for a short time to use your water throughout your home. However, this fix is temporary, so don’t use it for too long. Call a plumber to repair the pipe as soon as possible.
7 Steps To Take If Your Pipes Burst
Turn off the main.
Drain faucets.
Clean up the water.
Call a plumber that provides emergency services.
If the pipes are frozen, let them warm up.
Ventilate the area to allow the wet areas to dry.
If the pipes are not frozen, consider applying a repair sleeve.
Why Pipes Burst
Several causes explain why a pipe burst. Many factors come into play, but there are some common causes most homeowners experience from time to time. A burst pipe rarely happens overnight, so keep an eye on your plumbing system. Here are some of the most common causes of pipe bursts.
Corrosion. Corrosion causes pipes to burst. Corrosion can occur because of imbalances in the water’s pH. Older galvanized pipes with rust and corrode as the zinc coating wears off. In either case, the corrosion happens over a long period of time until the pipe finally gives out. If you are experiencing pipe leaks due to corrosion, consider replacing your plumbing.
Frozen. In places with harsh winters, frozen pipes are a significant problem. When temperatures fall below 32 degrees, the water in the pipes freezes. This causes the bonds in the pipe to weaken, which leads to breaks. If the temperature rapidly increases—like when you turn on your hot water—the ice and the pipe shatter. If you experience long, cold winters, keep your home warm to avoid this issue.
Movement. Pipe movement occurs accidentally in most circumstances. Sometimes, pipes shift after winter because the cold temperature causes the pipes to contract. Other times, shifts occur because of repairs to other parts of the plumbing or if the water pressure becomes too high and shakes the pipes. A burst pipe occurs when this movement increases the water pressure in a particular area.
Clogs. Water pressure also increases because of clogs anywhere in the pipe. When the clog is close to the drain, they don’t cause too much trouble for the pipe system. However, if a clog forms deep in the pipe, the water pressure builds around the clog. Because the water has nowhere else to go, it leaks outside the pipe. If the pressure becomes too great for the metal to handle, it results in a burst pipe.
Please note: This information is being provided as the temperatures in Houston are falling. We are not an emergency plumbing company and are not equipped to respond to emergency calls, but we are here to help in any way we can. If you know you need a repipe or have one scheduled, call us if these freezing temperatures create any issues for you.
