A burst pipe can flood your home in a matter of minutes.
Every homeowner wants to avoid the chaos that happens when a pipe starts to leak. The water in these pipes is usually at high pressure and will be coming out with great force.
Consequently, you need to know what to do when a pipe bursts in your home.
Here are 5 things you can do if a pipe is leaking in your house.
1. Stop the Water
Your first reaction should be to turn off the water. This means stopping the water flow from the main pipe. You can find the main shut off valve below your kitchen sink.
After you’ve switched off the main water switch, you have to remove any water left in the pipes. Pouring cold water into the faucets can remove the water in the pipes.
2. Find the Leaking Pipe
Finding leaky pipes can be a challenge because of the high water pressure. You wouldn’t know if the pipe is in the ceiling or inside your walls. However, you’ll be able to hear the sound of the running water.
You can also know that there’s a leakage when water collects at the base of your walls. In some instances, you’ll start to see wet stains on your ceiling. In this case, the burst pipe may be inside the ceiling.
Wet drywall indicates that your leaking pipe is within the wall. If you still can’t locate the source of leaking water, the problem may be in the basement. Therefore, you should use a flashlight to check the pipes in the basement.
3. Get the Repair Materials
You’ll need a few tools to complete the repair. A repair clamp and rubber sleeve are some of the necessary tools. You’ll also need a screwdriver to attach the clamp to the pipe.
Other tools that might come in handy include a C-clamp, sleeve clamp, and a hose clamp.
4. Fix the Burst Pipes
Repairing a crack or rupture is easy, although it can be costly if you’ll use certain mending materials. Nevertheless, the important thing here is that you must use strong materials to prevent a new leak.
Once you’ve completed the repair, turn on the water. If there is no leakage after 10 minutes, then your repair is strong enough to hold high pressure.
5. Hire a Professional Plumber
Sometimes, the damaged pipe may be high in the ceilings or deep within the walls. In addition, your pipe may be located under the floor. Trying to solve the problem yourself can lead to further damage.
Hiring a plumber may be the right decision in such a situation. The professional plumbing company will repair the pipe without damaging the surrounding areas.
Even if you manage to do the repairs yourself, you still need a drying company to dry the area. Drying the surrounding area prevents the growth of mildew and mold.
Learn What to Do if a Pipe Is Leaking in Your Home
Leaking pipes are inevitable in any household. While you can’t entirely prevent them, you can react better when a pipe is leaking in your house. The right corrective measures can prevent the damage from spreading to other parts of the house.
Contact us today for all your residential and commercial plumbing needs.
