Knowing what to do and acting immediately in the event of a plumbing emergency may help you avoid spending hundreds of hard-earned dollars on damage restoration. You'll probably need to hire a burst pipe plumber to handle the repairs if a pipe in your house bursts or breaks.
However, you can’t just sit inside your flooded home, waiting for the plumber to arrive. So, here are several crucial actions you may take to stop the burst water pipes from worsening while you wait for the professionals to arrive.
Turn Off the Water Supply.
First and foremost, it's necessary and critical to quickly turn off the main water supply to your residence before taking further action. Take some time right away to locate the shut-off valve if you don't know where it is. If you reside in a rented house or similar building where you have no control over the supply, get in touch with your landlord immediately.
Turn off your water supply entirely. Also, take precautions and switch off the power if you believe that the leak from the burst pipe may have gotten into any of the electrical sockets or the junction box.
Shut Down the Electricity.
It's a smart idea to completely turn off the power in the troubled room out of caution. Walking through or stepping in standing water puts you in danger of electrocution. Therefore, you must ensure the power is turned off before dealing with any water brought on by the burst pipe.
If flooding has happened close to the electrical circuit and you cannot reach it safely, check for the main electrical cutoff outside your house or get assistance from an electrician.
Turn On Other Faucets.
Pressure increases are often the cause of pipes bursting. This may occur during the winter when water freezes within a pipe and then proceeds to freeze and expand. In the end, this raises the water pressure between the ice obstruction and the shut-off valve.
You may release the pressure by releasing the faucet's taps to avoid more issues. Therefore, if you turn on nearby faucets, you'll let any water that is still inside of them leak out. Until the burst pipes plumber shows up and does any required repairs, be sure to keep any nearby faucets open.
Clean Up the Mess.
A burst pipe might swiftly release a large amount of water into your house. It is essential to get rid of as much water from your house as you can while you wait for the plumber to show up. By doing this, you may stop the growth of mould, mildew, and water damage. Cleaning up after flooding might take a long time, depending on how bad it is.
Once you've gotten rid of as much water as possible, you need to dry the area. In an emergency, you may utilize dehumidifiers and standard fans. For the greatest outcomes, it's better to hire commercial-grade equipment if feasible. Increase the heat if you're still utilizing the power in your home. This will lessen possible water damage and aid in drying the area.
It's crucial to remove the water from the space. However, that will only address issues on the exterior surface. There is a good probability that later problems in the form of dangerous mould and mildew might arise if water has already been absorbed into carpets, walls, and floors. The best course of action is to remove and destroy any goods you cannot dry out fast.
Record the Damages.
If you have an insurance policy, take pictures and video of any damage immediately. Any supporting documents will probably be useful if you have to submit an insurance claim. You should be very cautious and quick to take records of all the damages. Take multiple clear images and videos of all the damaged places, including wherever the water has touched.
Send these images and videos to the claims adjustor and save them for your personal usage later on. Having more paperwork than you believe is necessary and always preferable to not having enough to support all of the damages.
Don’t Ignore Signs Of Leaking Pipes
You may avoid not all plumbing crises. However, by being aware of the warning indications, you may be able to detect a broken pipe before it breaks or bursts. It is typically a solid indicator that something is wrong with your plumbing pipes if you observe frequently leaking faucets, discoloured water, standing water beneath your sinks, or an upsurge in your water bill.
Before a little trickle develops into a major emergency, you can call an emergency plumber by recognizing these warning signs and taking prompt action. Trust your instinct when it comes to plumbing problems, and remember that if anything seems off, it usually is. It is thus always preferable to hire a plumber immediately.
Moreover, we have listed the topmost actions you can take to reduce the damages while you wait for a professional water leak plumber. Stick to these tips; you can quickly control the situation and let the plumber do their job when they arrive at the scene.