What to Do When Your Water Pipes Burst

Plumbing problems can be one of the most frustrating issues a home or business owner experiences. From leaking faucets to full-blown pipe bursts, dealing with water damage and leaks can cause significant discomfort for those involved and cost lots of money to repair. But how do you even recognize when there’s an issue in the first place? And what should you do if your pipes burst? Whether through regular maintenance or emergency repairs, this blog post will provide insight into what causes pipe bursts and explain effective methods to solve or avoid them to keep your building safe from potential water damage!

Causes of Pipe Burst

A pipe burst is a common plumbing issue that can leave you with a big mess on your hands. However, before you can fix the problem, you need to know what’s causing it. Generally, pipes can burst for several reasons, such as extreme temperatures, water pressure buildup, and rust and corrosion. Temperature changes can cause pipes to expand and contract, eventually leading to cracks and leaks.

Water pressure buildup can occur if there’s a blockage in the system, forcing the pipes to bear added pressure. Rust and corrosion can weaken pipes over time, causing them to break down and eventually burst. If you suspect your pipes have burst, look for signs such as dampness, unusual noises, or low water pressure. Knowing the causes of pipe bursts can help you take preventive measures and avoid messy and expensive repairs.

10 Steps to Do If Pipes Are Burst

There’s nothing quite as frustrating as coming home to find your pipes burst. The damage can be extensive and cost you a lot of time and money to repair. However, it is critical to understand that there are steps you can take to limit the damage and return your house to normalcy as soon as possible. Here are the ten most important steps you should take to deal with burst pipes.

Step 1: Shut Off the Water Supply

When pipes unexpectedly burst in your home, the first step is to take swift action! Make sure to locate and switch off the main water supply so the burning water doesn’t cause further damage. Turning off the water source can be a practical, useful way to help limit or reduce any damages due to unexpected flooding.

Step 2: Locate the Burst Pipes

Once you have turned off your water supply, locate the burst pipes. Depending on where the burst occurred, it may be easy or difficult. If you see water seeping out from a particular area in your home, that’s where the break is located.

Step 3: Turn Off Your Electricity

Water and electricity don’t mix, so it’s important to turn off your electricity immediately after you shut off the water. This will prevent any accidents and ensure your safety.

Step 4: Move Damaged Items Out of the Way

After you have turned off your electricity, it’s time to move any damaged items out of the way. If you have carpeting, for example, you may need to remove it to prevent mold growth. You’ll also want to move any furniture, electronics, or other personal items out of harm’s way.

Step 5: Dry Out Your Home

Now it’s time to start drying out your home. To eliminate as much moisture as possible, use fans and dehumidifiers. This technique will help reduce unnecessary moisture and prevent any resulting damage, such as mold growth or other water damage. As much humidity as possible should be removed from your residence, ensuring it remains safe from all foreseeable harm. Rather than waiting for a problem to build up in the future, making an effort now will pay dividends when all is said and done.

Step 6: Call a Professional

Pipes bursting can cause a significant amount of damage, so it’s important to call a professional plumber as soon as possible. They can repair the burst pipes and any other damage that may have occurred.

Step 7: Inspect Your Plumbing

Once your pipes have been repaired, inspecting the rest of your plumbing is a good idea. Your plumber can help you identify any potential problem areas and provide advice on how to prevent future disasters.

Step 8: Contact Your Insurance Company

Navigating the aftermath of a burst pipe can be overwhelming. If the damage is significant, it may be necessary to contact your insurer for aid. Your insurance company could prove beneficial as it will evaluate the required repair level and measure how much of the cost needs to be covered.

They will also look into any extra damages from the bursting pipes, which could provide more financial support. Although being involved in an insurance incident involves paperwork and time with figures, finding peace of mind that you won’t bear full responsibility is worth acknowledging.

Step 9: Be Prepared for the Future

Unexpected plumbing disasters always seem to happen at the most inconvenient of times. While you can’t foresee when a pipe may burst, you can be prepared for such an occasion by locating your water shutoff valve in advance. That way, you can manually turn off the water as soon as any leaks occur and minimize damage to your property and possessions.

Step 10: Take Preventative Measures

To prevent future pipe bursts, you can take a few preventative measures. For example, insulate your pipes in cold weather, and install a pressure regulator to keep pressure from building up in your plumbing system.

Burst pipes can be a big pain, but following these 10 measures can limit the damage and swiftly restore your home to normalcy. Remember that if the damage is extensive, it is preferable to hire a professional plumber. Also, take preventative actions to limit the likelihood of future pipe bursts. You’ll be able to manage everything that comes your way with a little planning.

How to Avoid Pipes Bursting?

Pipes bursting can be a nightmare for any homeowner. Not only can they cause water damage, but they can also be expensive to repair. You can stop this from happening by taking the following steps:

• It is important to insulate your pipes properly, especially in areas where temperatures drop below freezing. This will help to keep the pipes from contracting and expanding, which can lead to cracks and leaks.
• Grease and oil can solidify and clog drains, so don’t flush them down the sink.
• It is important to drain the pipes and cut off the main water supply if you are going on vacation or anywhere from home for an extended period.
• Another key measure is to leave a trickle of water flowing through your faucets during a cold snap to prevent the pipes from freezing.
• You should be aware of certain signs of potential pipe problems, such as decreased water pressure and unusual sounds coming from your pipes.

Following these guidelines can minimize the risk of bursting pipes and save you from the headaches they bring.

Hire Almco Plumbing Team to Fix Your Leaking Pipes

If you need plumbing repairs due to leaking pipes or pipe bursts, look no further than the expert team at Almco Plumbing. All the plumbing problems you’re having can be diagnosed and fixed immediately by our skilled technicians, who have access to the most advanced equipment on the market. Don’t let a leaky or burst pipe cause further damage to your home or property. Contact Almco Plumbing, book your appointment today, and let us provide you with the reliable and timely service you deserve.

Vlad Khorenko. He started working at Almco Plumbing in January 2016. In 2018 became the owner of Almco Plumbing. He has built a great team—10 people in the team, 9 of them are plumbers. According to Vlad’s words, the team is his greatest treasure. Vlad and his wife have three sons and are building a family owned business. Their mission is to be honest and fair with the great people who live in San Diego. Vlad has a plan to expand plumbing services to other cities in California by building an Almco plumbing franchise network.