Having water in your home is essential. It has seemingly endless uses, from showers to washing clothes and even just keeping you hydrated. The average home in America uses roughly 300 gallons of water a day. To have access to all that water, you have a system of pipes throughout your house, keeping it flowing to every area you need it. If you have a pipe burst in your home, it can be a major disaster. Not only will you have water damage to deal with, but you could also end up with expensive repairs. This blog post will discuss what you should do if you experience a pipe burst.
Contents
Turn Off The Water
If you have a pipe burst in your home, the first thing you need to do is turn off the water. You can do this at the main valve for your house. If you don’t know where that is, try looking for the meter box. The meter box will usually be near the street and have either a wheel or a handle that you can turn to shut off the water. Once you have the water turned off, there are several other steps you will need to take.
Turn Off Your Electrical Panel
If you have water flowing through your electrical system, it can be very dangerous. To avoid any potential electrocutions, you should turn off your electrical panel. This is done by locating the main breaker box and flipping the switch to the “off” position. Once you do this, you can start dealing with the water damage.
Assess The Damage
Once you have turned off the water to your home and shut off the main power, it is time to assess the damage. Take a look at all affected areas and determine how extensive the damage is. If you have a lot of water damage, it is best to call a professional to help you clean up and repair the damage.
Locate The Pipe That Burst
The next step is to locate the pipe that burst. This can be difficult if the water isn’t still flowing. Once you have found the source of the leak, you can start thinking about repairs. If you can’t find the source of the leak, it’s time to call a professional plumber. They will help you locate the source and make the necessary repairs.
Drain The Water
Once you have located the source of the leak, it’s time to start draining the water. You can do this with a wet/dry vac or by using buckets. If you have a lot of water, it might be necessary to rent a sump pump. Once you have all the water drained, you can start cleaning up the mess.
Dry Out The Area
If you only have a small amount of water damage, you can try to dry it out yourself. Start by opening all of the windows and doors in the area to let in some fresh air. You can also use fans or a dehumidifier to help speed up the drying process. Be sure to continue checking on the area until it is completely dry to prevent mold or mildew growth.
Clean Up The Area
Once the area is dry, it’s time to start cleaning up. If you have any damaged items, such as carpets or furniture, you will need to dispose of them. Be sure to do this in a way that doesn’t cause further damage, such as dragging wet carpet through the house. Once you remove all of the damaged items, you can start cleaning. Use a disinfectant to clean all of the surfaces, and be sure to get rid of any traces of water or moisture.
Call A Plumber
After you have cleaned up the area, it’s time to repair the pipe. A professional plumber best does this. They will properly assess the damage and make any necessary repairs. Once the pipe has been repaired, you can turn the water back on and start using your home again. If you don’t have access to a plumber quickly, there are some steps you can take to get water back in your home.
DIY Repair
The first step is having the proper tools for the job. These tools include a hacksaw, a wrench set, and some pipe fittings. Once you have gathered all of the necessary tools, it’s time to start repairs. First, you will need to cut out the damaged portion of the pipe.
Once you do this, you can start fitting in the new pipe. Be sure to use Teflon tape or some other type of sealant to ensure no leaks. Once you fit the pipe, you can turn on the water and check for leaks. If everything looks good, you are good to go! However, even if you fix the pipe yourself, it is still a good idea to have a plumber come as soon as possible to make sure you did the repairs correctly.
Preventative Measures
It is essential to take preventive measures to avoid a pipe burst in your home. One of the best ways to do this is by keeping an eye on your water bill. If you notice that your water bill has increased, it could signify that you have a small leak somewhere in your home. Other things you can do to prevent a pipe burst include proper insulation, regular maintenance, and using freeze-resistant pipes. By taking these precautions, you can avoid a pipe burst and the costly repairs that come with it.
Conclusion
Pipes bursting are a common occurrence in many homes. It can be a huge hassle and can leave you without water at the very least for several hours and even several days in the worst case. You can avoid costly repairs by taking some preventative measures and knowing what to do if it happens. If a pipe does burst in your home, be sure to take the necessary steps to clean up and repair the damage. With a little bit of effort, you can have your home back to normal in no time.
