What to Do About a Burst Pipe in Your House

So, you’re worried you may have a burst pipe in your house. Whether it’s due to freezing temperatures, aging pipes, or other causes, a burst pipe can be a major headache for homeowners. Knowing what to do in case of a burst pipe can help you minimize damage and get the problem fixed as quickly as possible. Below, we’ll discuss steps you can take to deal with a burst pipe in your house and prevent it from happening again.

What Causes Pipes to Burst?

Burst pipes can be caused by a variety of reasons, each due to conditions pipes face over time. Understanding these causes can help homeowners prevent future burst pipes and better respond when they come across one.

1. Freezing Temperatures: One of the main culprits of burst pipes isfreezing temperatures. When water expands during the freezing process, it puts intense pressure on the pipes and hose bibs. A rupture can occur if the given pressure exceeds the pipe’s limits. This is more likely to happen in colder climates and unheated areas of your home, like basements or attics.
2. Aging Pipes: Older pipes are more susceptible to bursting. As pipes age, they eventually corrode, weaken, and become brittle, which makes them more prone to leaks and breaks. Homeowners withplumbing systems older than 50 years should pay close attention to their pipes and make sure they’re in good condition.
3. High Water Pressure: Very high water pressure can stress pipes, leading to leaks or bursts. If your home’s water pressure is above thenormal range (usually 40-60 psi), it can cause joints to separate and pipes to fail.
4. Tree Roots: Roots from nearby trees can mess with underground pipes. This may cause blockages and increased water pressure. Over time, these damages can lead to pipe failure.
5. Improper Installation:Stress points can be created in pipes that were installed poorly or lack enough support. This can make them more vulnerable to breaks under normal conditions.

Homeowners should take the initiative to inspect their plumbing systems regularly and make necessary repairs to prevent these red flags.

How Do You Know There is a Burst Pipe?

Detecting a burst pipe early can save you a lot of money and hassle. Here are some common signs to watch for:

• Unexplained Water Pooling: One of the clearest indicators that you have a burst pipe is water pooling in areas where it shouldn’t be, such as floors or walls. If you notice damp spots or water stains, act quickly.
• Decreased Water Pressure: A sudden drop inwater pressure can indicate that water is escaping through a break in the system. If you find that your faucets are delivering less water than usual, investigate further.
• Strange Sounds: Gurgling, bubbling, or hissing sounds from your pipes can signal a burst. Air entering the system or water escaping can create these strange noises.
• Increased Water Bill: An unexpectedly high water bill can be a sign of a leak. If your daily habits haven’t changed but your bill has spiked, a burst pipe may be the culprit.
• Discoloration or Odor: If the water coming from your taps is discolored or has a foul odor, find the cause as soon as possible. It may indicate contamination from a burst pipe, although it could also becaused by something unrelated. If the water has a red tint and smells metallic, you’re likely dealing with rust in the plumbing system, which can lead to future bursts.

By staying aware of these signs, you can address small-scale issues before they turn into large-scale damage.

Immediate Actions to Take When You Discover a Burst Pipe

If you find a burst pipe in your home, you must act quickly. Here’s a step-by-step routine:

1. Shut Off the Water Supply:Locate your main water shut-off valve and turn it off immediately. This will stop the flow of water and prevent any further damage. If you can’t find the valve, look for a smaller valve on the pipe leading to the burst area and turn it off.
2. Turn Off Electricity: If water is leaking near outlets or appliances, turn off the power in that area to prevent electrocution or electrical fires. Be especially careful of large water pools and flooding.
3. Drain the Pipes: After shutting off the water, turn on faucets throughout your home to help drain the rest of the water from the pipes. This will control the amount of water that escapes from the burst pipe.
4. Identify the Source: If it’s safe to do so, locate the burst pipe. This could mean checking walls, ceilings, or crawl spaces. Take pictures of any damage for insurance purposes.
5. Contain the Water: Use buckets or towels to collect any leaking or spilled water. A wet vacuum orsump pump can help remove standing water.
6. Notify Neighbors: If you live in a multi-family building, notify your neighbors. A burst pipe can affect adjacent units and damage others’ property.
7. Contact a Professional: As soon as you’ve followed through with the previous steps, contact a licensed plumber to assess and repair the damage.

Time is of the essence when dealing with a burst pipe. The longer you wait, the more extensive the damage can become.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

It’s usually wise to call in a professional plumber when dealing with a burst pipe. Here are some situations that warrant professional assistance:

• Severe Damage: A professional is needed to evaluate the situation if the burst pipe has caused significant water damage, structural issues, ormold growth.
• Location of the Pipe: If the burst pipe is located in a hard-to-reach area, such as behind walls or under the foundation, a professional will have the tools and expertise to safely access and repair it.
• Frequent Issues: If you find yourself dealing with repeated plumbing issues, a professional can conduct a thorough inspection and recommend any beneficial upgrades to your plumbing system.
• Preventative Maintenance: Professionals can also help prevent future bursts by performing routine maintenance, inspecting for weak points, and advising on potential upgrades to aging systems.

If you’re looking for a reliable and experienced plumber,contact us for assistance. Proper and timely repairs can save you from costly damages in the long run.

Have a Burst Pipe? Nearby Plumbing Can Help

Dealing with a burst pipe can be stressful. Even if a damaged pipe isn’t causing issues right now, it could lead to flooding if it stays unfixed. However, knowing that there are professionals nearby who can help can give you peace of mind. Nearby Plumbing offers emergency plumbing services, so you can get the help you need when you need it. Our experienced plumbers have dealt with many burst pipes over the years, and they have the knowledge and tools to fix them quickly and efficiently. We also offer preventative maintenance services to help prevent burst pipes from occurring in the future.Call us today for any emergency plumbing needs or to schedule preventative maintenance for your home’s plumbing system.