Nobody wants to deal with a burst pipe in their home. Water can go everywhere, leading to major damage or even mold. It’s vital you know how to handle a burst pipe correctly when it happens. It’s also important to call an expert for a long-term fix.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the causes of a pipe burst, how to handle the situation, and how Andreas Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning can fix your pipes after an incident.
Why Does a Pipe Burst?
Many issues can plague a pipe, causing it to burst. Some common problems include:
- Pipe clogs: Foreign materials can build up in a pipe, putting pressure on it and causing it to break down and burst.
- Pipe corrosion: Over time, a metal pipe can chip away from the inside due to elements and chemicals in the water, leading to a break.
- Pipe freezing: Cold temperatures can affect the piping materials, causing them to expand and contract, leading to a break.
Many remedies can be applied before a pipe-burst situation to help prevent the problem. Make sure you don’t wash down materials that shouldn’t go down a drain. Be sure to keep your home at a reasonable temperature, even if you’re away. Know how old your pipes are and schedule replacement services if it’s time.
How To Handle a Burst Pipe
You need to act fast when a pipe bursts to ensure a relatively stress-free scenario. Follow these steps if you have a burst pipe.
- Turn off the water: Look for a knob or handle near the pipe and shift it 90 degrees to the off position. If it’s too hard to find, locate your house’s water shutoff to stop all water from flowing.
- Turn off the electricity to the room: Find your electrical panel and turn off the power for the room where the pipe burst. This will help ensure a safer environment for cleanup.
- Drain other faucets: To help prevent breaks in other pipes, turn on other faucets throughout the home to relieve the pressure buildup.
- Clean up the water: Dry as much water as possible with towels, sponges, and paper towels. An industrial vacuum can also help, if available.
- Open windows and doors: Air out the room to help with the drying process. Add a fan to the room to help keep the air flowing to prevent mold growth.
- Call a plumber: Contact a plumber and tell them about the situation. They may recommend a temporary fix or other suggestions so you can safely restore water and power in your home.
Count on Andreas To Fix Your Pipes
After a pipe bursts in your home and you’ve handled all the initial repairs, you’ll need a professional plumber to fix the problem in full. Team Andreas is here to provide the best plumbing services for your situation.
Our expert technicians can visit your home, inspect your pipes, determine the cause of the burst, and provide the necessary repairs.
Keep your pipes in top condition with help from experts. Contact us today to schedule a pipe repair service for your home.
