It’s always when you least expect it – a burst pipe. It leaks water all over your home and you don’t know what to do. What if the next time it happens, you know what to do? We’ll be giving you a run-down on what to do when you need pipe burst repair and how to minimize damage.
What Do I Do If a Water Pipe Has Burst in My Home?
When you have a burst pipe in your home, you should take these five simple steps before doing anything else.
Step 1: The first thing to do if a pipe bursts in your home is to shut off the water. The valve is usually located near your water heater.
Step 2: After shutting off the water, drain the faucets.
Step 3: Locate the burst pipe, we’ll explain how to do that soon.
Step 4: Call for professional help, as they are the ones who can make the repair.
Step 5: Lastly, you should always document the damage. Take photos of the whole scene and save them for insurance purposes.
How Do I Locate a Burst Pipe?
For leak detection, first, check the most likely areas like a bathroom or kitchen. If that isn’t the cause, carefully search around your house for water on the floor, wet marks on walls, and wet marks on ceilings. Another symptom of a water leak is a bulging ceiling. If your ceiling is bulging, be sure to stay out of the room as it could be dangerous.
What Kind of Damage Will a Leak Cause?
A burst pipe can cause all sorts of damage. You may be thinking that only the pipe under your sink will burst. In reality, it could be any pipe in your house. This means there could be damage to insulation and wiring, rot on structural materials and mold in hard to reach places.
What Causes Pipe Bursts?
Pipe bursts are no mystery, they have many common causes. While it doesn’t typically get too cold in San Antonio, we do occasionally have hard freezes. A common cause of pipe bursts is frozen pipes. When a pipe freezes, it can crack and weaken the structural integrity of the pipe itself. Another cause could be improperly secured pipes. If pipes are improperly secured, it could cause them to shift and weaken over time. Additionally, irregular water pressure and corrosion can also weaken your pipes causing them to weaken.
If and when a pipe does burst in your home, it’s important not to panic. The best thing you can do is keep damage to a minimum until a professional arrives. If you have a pipe burst in your home or have any other plumbing needs, contact the experts at Mr. Plumber.
