This Is What to Do When a Water Pipe Bursts in Your Home 

No one likes to deal with a burst pipe in the house, but it’s a problem you’ll probably have to deal with at some point. The key is not to panic. Instead, you should take action and follow a few steps to take control of the situation.

Keep reading to learn what you should do when a water pipe bursts in your home!

When a Water Pipe Bursts, Turn Off the Water First

The initial moment when you notice a burst pipe can be hectic and stressful. Make sure to steady yourself so that you can do the first critical step. Turn off the water!

It’s a good idea to know where the water main control valve is in your house, but if you don’t know, it’s a good bet that you can find it in the basement or utility space. Turn it off, and you’ll prevent more water from causing a problem.

Drain Excess Water

There still may be some water lingering in your pipes, so turn on your sink taps to let any excess water drain out. This is a small step that’s easy to overlook. 

Not doing this step means that more water can leak and cause additional water damage before a professional plumber is able to fix the problem. And in the long run, that means you’ll have a more expensive situation on your hands.

Clean Up the Mess

Once you’ve turned off the water and drained any water left in the pipes, start cleaning. Grab some rags, mops, and a wet/dry vac to remove any water from the area where the pipe burst.

If you have any box fans that you can aim at the area, put those to use, too. It’s important to dry the affected area quickly to avoid issues related to water damage.

Also, consider the temperature outside as you clean up the mess. If the pipe burst during the cold winter months, it may have done so because the water froze in the pipe. Turn up the heat and blow warm air toward the pipe to melt any frozen areas inside.

Call a Plumber

Still wondering what to do when a pipe bursts? When in doubt, call the professionals so they can help fix or replace the pipe — and assess the situation carefully.

Even if you think you can fix the pipe yourself, you may not have the expertise to see future issues related to water damage or other problems within your plumbing. Water damage can turn into a bigger and costlier issue if left untreated, so be sure to have a professional, licensed plumber visit your home.

Take Action 

It can be a frustrating situation when a water pipe bursts, but you can resolve it efficiently by following a few steps. Don’t let a burst pipe ruin your weekend. Turn off the water, clean up the mess, and call a professional to fix the problem area.

When you’re ready for fresh tips to improve your lifestyle, check back with us for more great articles!