If you’ve ever woken up to or come home to a swimming pool inside your house, then you know that burst pipes can really do a number on your home. Unfortunately, burst pipes are a common plumbing issue that many homeowners face.
Thankfully, with a little quick thinking and the right action plan, you can tackle this unexpected issue and come out on top–or at least with minimal water damage. This guide will help you stay calm and collected next time your plumbing decides to hit you with a burst pipe.
How to know if you have a burst pipe
Before we dive into the steps for tackling burst pipes head-on, let’s take a step back and focus on the hows: how it happens and how you know. Burst pipes can have many causes that can indicate further plumbing problems. This can include:
- Blocked drains or pipes: Food products, hair, sanitary products or tree roots can all cause blockages in your drains and pipes. These blockages can stress your pipes and cause them to burst when there’s nowhere else for the water to flow.
- Excessive water pressure: If your water pressure exceeds the optimal levels of between 45 and 60 psi it can cause your pipes to burst, especially at the connection points.
- Damaged or aged pipework: If your plumbing is old or corroded it will be at a higher risk of leaking or bursting under pressure.
Now that you know how burst pipes can happen, let’s see how you can discover them. Now, it’s important to note that unfortunately, burst pipes can occur with little or no prior warning signs. However, some things could indicate a burst pipe is imminent, such as blocked drains, a sudden rise in water pressure, or water leaks.
If you notice these signs, you may be able to take action to fix the issue before it stresses your pipes to the point of bursting. However, if you leave it too long or if your plumbing doesn’t give you any warning and you are left facing a burst pipe, then you’ll need to take the following steps.
Steps to take if you have a burst pipe
Shut off your water and electricity supply
The best way to minimise water damage and mess in the event of a busted pipe is to shut off your water supply immediately. Find your water metre and supply valve at the front of your property and turn it all the way off. This prevents any extra water from entering your pipes and house.
Additionally, while you are outside, switch off your electricity at the mains. If water comes into contact with live power points, outlets or any plugged-in appliances it can cause serious damage and safety hazards. Wet appliances or outlets have the potential to cause electrical shorts, damage and even electrical shock or electrocution if you come into contact with electrified water or damaged appliances.
If any of your plumbing fixtures such as your shower, taps, dishwasher or washing machine are turned on at the time of the burst, it’s a good idea to shut them all off also. This will prevent any other immediate water damage from water stored in the pipes, as well as any further damage caused by an influx of water once the pipes are fixed and the water supply is restored.
Call an emergency plumber
Once your water supply is off, your very next step should be to pull out your phone and call an emergency plumbing service. As you won’t have access to water until your pipe is fixed, it’s important to act quickly and get professional assistance ASAP.
Emergency plumbers will be able to assess the extent of the issue and depending on the situation either provide immediate restoration work or temporary solutions to tide you over until they can provide a comprehensive solution. This can include if your pipework is old or corroded and requires complete replacement, or if the damage or blockage is widespread.
Assess the damage and mess
Once you know a plumber is on their way, you can start to assess the mess and damage ahead of you. Take note of how far the water has spread through your property and what objects or furnishings are most vulnerable to water damage. This will allow you to make a clean-up plan that doesn’t feel so overwhelming.
Enact temporary solutions
Once the emergency plumbers arrive, they will take care of your plumbing, so you can just focus on protecting your home and belongings. So, with your clean-up plan in mind, gather everything you need from towels, buckets, mops and gloves to start to mop up any sitting water.
Move vulnerable objects and furniture to dry rooms where possible, wiping them down as you go to remove any traces of water or sewage. This will minimise the spread of water and the chance of mould growth and make the cleanup more manageable overall.
The quicker you can react to stop the water and clean up the mess, the fewer chances there will be of lasting water damage or follow-on mould growth reminding you of this inconvenience in a few weeks.
Minimise water damage from burst pipes with quick action
In conclusion, burst pipes, while messy, frustrating and potentially damaging, can be handled effectively. So, next time your plumbing decides to test you with a burst pipe, you’ll be able to handle yourself with a calmer demeanour and take the correct action to protect your property.
If you ever find yourself in a situation where you need an expert emergency plumbing response, we’ve got your back! At Mario’s Plumbing & Drainage, our plumbers are available 24/7 and have a wealth of experience restoring damaged plumbing and burst pipes.
