When your water main bursts, you may go into a frenzy. What should you be doing? How can you stop the spray of water from ruining your home?
These are steps you should take to ensure that you minimize damage to your plumbing, your home, and your wallet.
Call a Plumber
The first thing you need to do when a water main bursts is to call the plumber. Everything else comes second, as you need to get an emergency plumbing contractor on the way as soon as possible to prevent damage.
Shut Off Water to the House
Your next step is to shut off the house's water by finding the main water shut-off valve. This will prevent water from gushing all over your home. The quicker you do this, the better.
This is why it is always a good idea to know where the main water valve is for your home. The shut-off valve is often in a garage, basement, or crawl space. Sometimes it is near the water heater. Know where the valve is before you ever even need it.
Turn On the Faucets
Once you've turned off the water, turn on the faucets. Draining faucets throughout your home will eliminate all the water inside your pipes, preventing the expansion of frozen water. This can alleviate pressure in your system. You can also flush the toilets a few times to relieve additional pressure.
Take Photos of Water Damage & Clean Up
Once the damage is contained and water isn't rushing out of your pipes, you should take some photos to document the event. It may be a good idea for your insurance company or your landlord. It will also help you show your plumber what happened. Then, you can begin the cleanup process and start putting things back in place.
Can You Prevent This Problem?
Frozen pipes are often the problem that causes pipes to burst. You can warm up pipes to keep them from freezing thanks to insulation. Pipe sleeves can be a great help. Insulating frozen pipes can prevent this issue, though doing so can be tricky.
Call a Professional Plumbing Contractor Today
No matter what kind of plumbing emergency you experience, it is important that you speak with a professional right away. Your water main can present quite a problem if it bursts, and it requires an emergency contractor. Call a plumbing repair contractor today to discuss your plumbing issues.
Share20 October 2020
When you get a clogged drain or a toilet that just won't flush, do you reach for the phone and call for a plumber? When you have these seemingly simple plumbing problems around your house, you have to make a decision quickly. Do you pay for someone to come out and make the repairs, or do you attempt the repair on your own? This blog is all about DIY plumbing repairs. You will learn the basics and find tips for when to cut your losses and call in for professional assistance so you don't make a small fix one that needs serious repairs.
