A burst pipe in the middle of the night is one of those home emergencies that can send you into a frenzied panic. As water gushes out, causing possible property damage, knowing what to do when pipes burst will save you thousands of dollars in repairs and a lot of stress. Frank’s Repair Plumbing has created a step-by-step guidebook of what to do when a pipe bursts while you wait for an emergency plumber. Read on to learn more.
What Are the Signs of a Burst Pipe?
Your plumbing system will almost always warn you that a pipe burst is about to occur. Look out for warning signs like:
- Water stains: Seeing these yellow or brown stains on your ceiling or walls indicates water is slowly or quickly escaping. The walls or ceiling might also feel damp to the touch.
- A sudden drop in water pressure: This usually means there is a water leak somewhere in your home.
- Strange sounds: If you hear banging, clanking, or gurgling while there is no water running, water pressure is building up or air is trapped in your pipes.
- Mold or mildew smells: Before seeing signs of water stains, you may smell a faint moldy or mildew odor, signalling water is pooling somewhere.
Knowing these signs will help you prevent hard water damage from a burst pipe in your home.
Step-by-Step: What to Do When Your Pipes Burst Indoors
When you discover a burst pipe inside your home, every second counts. Here’s exactly what you need to do to guarantee minimal damage:
Step one: Shut off your main water valve quickly. It’s usually in your basement or wherever the main water line enters your house.
Step two: Turn off your electricity. Water and electricity don’t mix, so if the burst pipe is near any outlets, appliances, or your electrical panel, turn it off. However, if you have to move through pools of water to get to your panel, don’t risk it. Call the experts at Frank’s.
Step three: Open your faucets. This will drain the remaining water from your pipes and relieve any remaining water pressure.
Step four: Take photos and videos. Your insurance company will need these, so take photos and videos of the pipe, the damage, etc.
Step five: Clean the water, if it is safe to do so. Use towels, a dry vacuum, or both to remove any water.
Step six: Call Frank’s Repair Plumbing. No matter what time, we are ready 24/7 to jump into action.
What to Do When an Outdoor Pipe Bursts
Outdoor pipe bursts still require immediate attention. Make sure to do the following:
- Turn off the main water line. If your pipe is between your water meter and your house, the city may have to do this.
- Make a mark where the water is pooling for the plumber and keep people and animals away from it.
- Move the water flow away from your home. Use sandbags, boards, or dirt to direct it away.
- Call Frank’s so we can send out a plumber to fix the problem.
Temporary Fixes to Control Damage Until the Plumber Arrives
There are a few temporary home DIY fixes to control the water damage from a burst pipe in the middle of the night.
- A bucket underneath the burst pipe is the simplest solution. Put some towels around it to catch splashing water.
- Piping tape or any self-sealing silicone tape can be put over small pipe bursts. Dry the area after the area is off and wrap a layer of it around the pipe.
- A pipe clamp or C clamp with a rubber band may stop some of the leaking.
- Epoxy putty can seal some of the holes, but it hardens quickly, so work fast and make sure the area is dry.
While none of these will completely fix a burst water pipe, they certainly help before a plumber arrives.
How to Prevent Pipes from Bursting in the Future
Taking preventive measures early will guarantee that your pipes don’t burst, and if they do, you will be ready. Follow these tips to protect your pipes.
- Install pipe insulation, which is relatively cheap and easy to put on, especially on basements, attics, crawl spaces, and garages.
- Keep your heat on in the winter to keep your pipes from freezing.
- Let your faucets drip during the colder months. This keeps water moving and prevents freezing and bursts.
- Schedule regular plumbing maintenance with Frank’s Repair Plumbing. This guarantees we find any leaks and that your pipes are working properly.
Call Frank’s Repair Plumbing For Burst Pipe Emergencies
Burst pipes can be scary, but now you know what to do when your pipes burst. Shut off your water, document your damage, and call Frank’s. No matter what time of night, we are ready to fix your pipe in an efficient and long-lasting manner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I shut off the water immediately if I suspect a leak?
Absolutely, because a small leak can turn into a big problem fast. If you know where the leak is, this will help a plumber identify the problem. For a fixture leak, the shut-off valve may be underneath the fixture, say directly under a sink.
Can I fix a burst pipe myself?
Temporary fixes, like using piping tape, epoxy putty, or a clamp, can help, but they should only be used while waiting for a plumber. Frank’s Repair Plumbing has the right tools to make the fix permanent.
What causes pipes to burst?
Many things, like freezing temperatures, severe clogs, and intense water pressure. The best thing to do is take a proactive approach and notice the signs that your pipe may burst.
How long does it take to repair a burst pipe?
It definitely varies based on the complexity and location of the damage. Some are fixed in a few hours, and others require repiping methods, which could take days.
Does homeowners’ insurance cover burst pipe damage?
Yes, most homeowner policies cover sudden or accidental pipe bursts. Though if it’s found that the pipe burst happened due to a lack of maintenance or ignoring warning signs, you could be in trouble. Make sure to document everything with your phone when a burst occurs.
At what temperature do pipes freeze and burst?
Pipes can freeze when the water temperature drops below 20°F, but problems can occur at higher temperatures without proper insulation. Pipes burst as the freezing water expands.
How long does it take for a burst pipe to cause damage?
By releasing gallons and gallons of water, a burst pipe can cause serious water damage in a matter of minutes. This is why it’s important to know the signs and turn off your water when it happens. The first hour of a burst pipe is the most critical time.
