The most common reason for burst pipes is frigid temperatures that freeze water in unprotected pipes, causing them to swell and spring leaks. While the Spring, Texas, the area does not frequently see such cold temperatures, this does not mean that you do not have to worry about leaking pipes. Some other reasons for broken pipes include…
Old, corroded pipes
Weak pipe joints
Tree roots growing around water mains
Increased water pressure
Whatever the reason for your burst pipe, your goal at this point will be to limit damage and find a swift pipe repair. Clearly, this will be a job for professionals. After calling for emergency service, take the following steps to stop further water damage in your home.
Turn Off Your Water Supply
The first step you should take, possibly even before calling for a plumber, is turning off the water supply to the pipe. In most cases, it is best to turn off the main water supply using the indoor or outdoor valve. However, if you can definitively see that the leak is coming from one specific spot under a cabinet or around a toilet, you may be able to get away with turning off the water supply to that one fixture.
In addition, you should turn off the electricity to the area of your home that has sustained water damage. Clearly, electricity and water do not mix, and you do not want to be at risk of an electric shock as you are cleaning up water damage.
Drain Excess Water from Your Pipes
The water pressure will probably still be high in your pipes even after you turn off the main water valve. This increased pressure will continue to cause leaking until you drain the water from your pipes. Start by turning on several cold water taps in your house. You will see water flow out and eventually decrease in intensity. Next, you can turn off your water heater and empty water from your hot water taps. This step is particularly important if you are dealing with a burst pipe from freezing temperatures.
Warm the Area
Although the average annual temperature in Spring ranges from 44 to 94 degrees and rarely plunges below 32 degrees, freezing temperatures are still a possibility here. If your pipes have burst because they are frozen, you will want to warm up the area to thaw the pipes. There are several ways you could do this.
Open up doors to the rest of your home
Turn on a space heater
Turn up your thermostat
Use a hairdryer on the frozen pipe
Take Pictures and Document
If you are dealing with particularly bad damage, you will certainly want to document the situation in pictures and writing for your insurance company. They will need to see just how bad the situation was before reimbursing you. Whip out your smartphone, and snap away. In addition, do not throw damaged items away as you will need to save these for evidence.
Start Cleaning
Once you have the documentation you need, it is time to start cleaning up the mess. Mops, buckets, and towels will all come in handy, and you may find that a wet vacuum makes cleanup far easier.
Bottom line: While a burst water pipe is never fun to deal with, you can make the process easier by arming yourself with these five important tips. Although professional help will be required to repair or replace the damaged pipe, you can start working even before the plumber arrives to limit damage and clean up the mess.
Milton Frank Plumbing & Cooling offers 24/7 emergency services for this very reason. If you find yourself in a jam, call (281) 645-5905.