Burst Pipe Panic: 9 Crucial Steps to Take During an Emergency Plumbing Repair
Discovering a burst pipe in your home is quite a shock and can create some moments of panic. With every second, more and more water is pouring into the spaces that normally house daily activities. In a matter of minutes, a room is soaked, and furniture and furnishings are being ruined.
To reduce the damage and end the tragedy, here are some simple steps any homeowner can take should a pipe burst inside the home.
Essential Steps to Take Before Calling for Plumbing Repair After a Pipe Bursts
- Identify a plumbing contractor before an emergency happens. If you don’t know a plumber, do some research, ask around, or look online for a trusted plumbing contractor. Get the emergency repair phone number and speak with someone on staff to make sure you understand the procedure for calling in a plumbing emergency. Keep this number with other emergency contact information.
- Locate the water shut-off valves in the home. The valve at the water meter usually requires a special tool and can only be accessed by the water utility company. Close by, you will find the shut-off valve for the entire house. Make sure that the valve is not corroded and stuck open: during a period when water is not being used, close the valve and open it again to ensure it works.
There are also shut-off valves under every sink, at each toilet, and at washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerator ice/water lines. These valves might be the best choice for stopping a major water leak. Test these valves regularly, also to ensure that they do not get frozen by corrosion. - Should a pipe burst, be very aware of electricity in the vicinity; water is an excellent conductor of electricity. Unplug extension cords, power strips, or other cords in the vicinity of the leak. As a safety precaution, trip the circuit breaker that serves the affected area, or, if necessary, trip the breaker for the entire house. DO NOT TOUCH OR OPEN THE ELECTRIC SERVICE PANEL WHILE STANDING IN WATER. Matter of fact, do not step into water unless the electricity is turned off in the affected area.
- Once the shut-off valve has been closed and the electricity shut off in the affected area, call the emergency repair line with the plumbing contractor.
- While waiting for the plumber to arrive, begin cleaning up the water from the leak. It may require lots of mopping and towels. If a wet vacuum cleaner is available, it can remove large amounts of water very quickly. The quicker you remove the water, the less chance the water has for further damage.
- If the water leak consists of a lot of wastewater, you might consider waiting for a professional to clean up the spill. Wastewater is hazardous and should be cleaned carefully with proper equipment.
- If the burst pipe is the result of a frozen water line, understand that the leak you find might not be the only section of the burst pipe. The frozen water might have created multiple openings that become obvious only after the waterline thaws.
- If possible, open a window to facilitate evaporation. If not, use a fan to dry the spill. Water that remains on surfaces or behind objects can lead to a mold or mildew bloom.
- Keep records, including photo and video evidence, for homeowners’ or renters’ insurance.
Time to Call Doctor Cool Plumbing Repair Services
A burst pipe is a severe emergency requiring immediate, expert attention to prevent catastrophic damage and mold growth. While stopping the water flow is your crucial first step, diagnosing the underlying cause and properly fixing the rupture requires professional expertise.
Don’t risk further damage or improper patching by handling this complex situation alone; you need the right tools and training for effective plumbing repair. Call Doctor Cool’s team of trusted residential plumbers immediately after securing your water and electricity to minimize financial loss and restore your home’s integrity.
Doctor Cool will assist with all of your residential plumbing repair questions. Call Doctor Cool & Professor Heat today at 281-516-5935 or email Doctor Cool and let our professional Residential League City Plumbing Repair Contractors help during your next plumbing emergency.