What to do if a Pipe Bursts
Aside from natural disasters and catastrophes, a burst pipe is the bane of any homeowner’s life. The prospect of returning home to burst pipes and a water leak is enough to make any homeowner fearful. Unfortunately, many homeowners have experienced burst pipes, which can be expensive, time-consuming, and stressful to deal with.
Pipes can burst for a variety of reasons, but the most common cause of pipe bursts is extreme temperature. Water freezes and expands with tremendous force—up to 40 pounds per square inch—in the winter, putting a strain on pipes. When water freezes inside a pipe, the ice increases pressure until the pipe is forced to burst. Corrosion can also cause pipes to burst. Although pipes are galvanized to prevent rust, they are still susceptible to corrosion which can be caused by improper pH levels in your water. If left untreated, corrosion will weaken pipes and eventually cause them to burst.
It can be difficult to detect damage to your pipes until it is too late. However, there are some warning signs that could point to a potential issue. If you suspect your pipes are damaged and are close to bursting, don’t wait! Contact Hansen Family Plumbing immediately so we can repair the damage before your pipes burst.
SIGNS OF A BUSTED WATER PIPE
Sometimes, a busted water pipe can show warning signs before serious damage occurs. Watch out for common symptoms of a pipe burst, which include:
- Fluctuating water pressure
- Discolored, rusty water with a strange smell
- Pipes making clunking noises behind walls
- A sudden spike in your water bill
- Puddles forming under your sinks
- Wall stains and other water damage
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
So what should you do if a pipe bursts in your home? First and foremost, if a pipe bursts, call a professional plumber. In the meantime, here are a few things you can do to minimize water loss and avoid flooding.
TURN OFF THE MAIN WATER VALVE
The first thing you need to do when you find a burst pipe is shut off your water. The sooner you can do this, the better your chances are of minimizing water damage. Your main water shut-off valve is likely located near your water heater in a crawl space or in your basement.
DRAIN THE PIPES
Once you have turned off the water, open your faucets to remove any leftover cold water in your pipes. This will alleviate pressure in your pipe system and may help prevent the freezing of additional areas. After that, flush every toilet in the building. Any leaks should cease until water is no longer flowing from the taps. It’s essential to flush each toilet and run the cold-water side of the faucets dry to remove any residual water from the pipes.
TURN OFF YOUR HOME’S ELECTRICITY AND HOT WATER HEATER
Water could have come into contact with electrical outlets or even your fuse box, depending on where the leak occurred. For safety reasons, you should shut off your home’s electricity. After the system has been turned off, return to the house and bleed the hot water from all of the faucets.
LOCATE THE BURST PIPE
Your next step should be to figure out where the pipe burst. If it appears to have been leaking for a while, be careful when entering rooms. Look for bulging ceilings and other warning signs that water damage has already occurred. If you catch the leak early enough, place a bucket underneath to catch dripping water. Large pipe breaks might be obvious, but smaller broken pipes can be more difficult to locate. Keep an eye out for bulging ceilings, pooling water on the floor, or water under the sink. You can patch tiny cracks as a temporary solution. However, you should always call in a professional to fix major damage to prevent even more costly repair bills down the line.
DOCUMENT DAMAGE
Water can be one of the most damaging elements in a building. Make sure to take photographs of the damage as soon as possible. Once you have contained the emergency, start taking photos of the mishap and document any damage to your home and possessions. And don’t throw anything away just yet. You’ll want as much evidence as possible on your side when you contact your insurance company. Keep all your documents organized in a familiar place and be ready to use when needed. This will save you a lot of time when you are making a claim with your insurance company.
CALL A PROFESSIONAL PLUMBER
Small cracks are caused by burst pipes and can be fixed with industrial tape or a chemical bonding agent. However, homeowners should exercise caution because a burst pipe that is not properly repaired can result in even more damage. It is recommended that you employ a specialist to fix or replace your burst pipes.
As soon as possible, call in the experts to handle repairs. Hire a professional plumber to fix or replace your burst pipes, and if you have any damage to your electrical system, you should bring in a reliable electrician.
CLEAN UP THE WATER DAMAGE TO AVOID MOLD GROWTH
If you’re lucky enough to know where your leak is coming from, start mopping up excess water to prevent mold and mildew. Depending on the size of the leak, you may need to hire a professional cleanup service who will use commercial wet-dry vacs and heavy-duty fans to dry saturated carpets and drywall. This is a perfect time to contact Hansen Family Plumbing.
HOW TO PREVENT PIPES FROM BURSTING
So you’ve seen the trauma of a burst pipe. What should you do now to ensure that your house is safe in the future? Try winterizing your house, such as by installing insulation, to protect rooms and pipes from freezing during the cold months. Pipe sleeves or heat tape may be applied to exposed pipes that are particularly vulnerable to freezing, such as those found under the kitchen sink or in the bathroom.
Also, allow your pipes to breathe. Allow the warmer air from the rest of the house to enter cabinet doors. Always keep your thermostat set above 32 degrees even if the house is empty. The pipes would appreciate it.
OTHER WAYS TO PREVENT BURST PIPES:
- Insulate your pipes
- Repair or replace old or weak pipes
- Locate your main water shutoff valve
- Keep an eye out for water leaks and address leaks immediately
- Let faucets trickle through cold nights to prevent pipes from freezing
Checking your pipes in advance to prevent damaged pipes and pipe bursts. If you need help with a burst pipe, Hansen Family Plumbing and Air is here to assist you. For more than 13 years, we have been committed to serving you. You can expect the best quality work and excellent customer service.
To schedule a service, call (602) 805-4836 or contact us online.
HANSEN FAMILY PLUMBING CAN HELP WITH BURST PIPES
Hansen Family Plumbing has a mission to help you. We are the #1 contractor for all of your plumbing and drain needs in the Greater Phoenix region. Whether you need plumbing services in Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale, or any of the surrounding areas, the Hansen Family Plumbing and Air team is your solution. With more than a decade of experience in every aspect of plumbing and drain cleaning, our main goal is to provide hassle-free plumbing services. With a team dedicated to providing high-quality plumbing services and top-notch customer service, we know that we are the team to call for your plumbing needs in all of greater Phoenix.
Hansen Family Plumbing offers a wide array of plumbing services to fit the needs of our clients in greater Phoenix:
