Hello, my name is Lelani O’Malley. Welcome to my website about keeping your plumbing system in great shape. When I bought my first home, I was shocked to learn that it was built in the early 1900s. Another shocking discovery awaited as I learned that the plumbing system remained from its original build. Upon learning those facts, I dedicated my time to learning how to keep that system in great condition. I developed this website to bring that knowledge to you as well. I want to help all my readers maintain their existing plumbing system for years to come. Thank you for coming by.
Water Water Everywhere! What To Do When Your Pipes Burst
You never know when a water pipe is going to burst, especially during the winter. A steady cycle of freeze/thaw can undermine the structural integrity of your pipes, leading to small cracks and fissures. Each time the pipes freeze, those small cracks and fissures can get bigger, eventually causing a rupture. When that happens, you're going to be faced with spraying water, and a big mess. You could be faced with significant damage if the flow of water isn't stopped quickly enough. If your pipes rupture this winter, here are four steps you should take right away:
Stop the Flow of Water
This may seem pretty self-explanatory, but in the heat of the moment, this is something that can be overlooked. As soon as you're faced with a ruptured water pipe, you've got to shut the water off. Head out to the main shut-off valve and turn all the water off to your house. It might seem easier to shut the water off to just the affected water pipe. However, once the pressure is off that pipe, it could move to another area, which means you'll be facing multiple ruptures. Don't take chances. Turn the main water off. If you're worried about using the toilet while the water is off. Go down and purchase several gallons of bottled water. You can pour water into the tank each time you flush.
Get Professional Help for Your Pipes
Once you've got the water turned off, and you know you're safe from further ruptures, contact a plumber near you. Be sure to let them know that you have a ruptured water pipe and that the water has been turned off. They may be able to move your call up their list so they can get out to you quicker.
Assess the Damage
While you're waiting for the plumber to come out, walk through your house and assess the damage. If you're not sure which pipe burst, or you think you had multiple pipes burst, try to locate those pipes. If you're able to show the plumber where the problem is, they'll be able to get to work making the repairs quicker. You'll also want to look for areas where the drywall has been water damaged, or the carpeting has been saturated. You'll need all this information when you contact your insurance company.
Get the Water Removed
As soon as you've contacted the plumber, and assessed the damage, you'll need to start removing the water. Leaving the water for too long could leave to additional damage such as mold growth. If the water was contained in one small area of the house, you can probably clean it up with wet/dry vacuums and a mop. However, if you've got more significant flooding, you're going to need professional help with the cleanup. Contact a water damage restoration company near you.
Contact a company like Mitchell Plumbing & Heating Inc for more information and assistance.