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A burst pipe is one of the worst things a homeowner can experience. Unlike a broken dishwasher or clogged toilet, a flood of water is so much more than just an inconvenience. Even a small leak has the power to damage a home’s foundation and lead to mold and mildew growth.
What to do Immediately After a Pipe Bursts
The moment you notice a burst pipe, take the following steps:
1. Turn off the main water supply.
Before you can start mopping up water, the first thing you need to do is turn off the main water supply. This will prevent an already tough situation from getting that much worse. Though every main shut-off valve is located in a different place, most sit within three to five feet of where the water main enters your home. Most often, water lines are located in the mechanical room, by the water heater, or near your furnace.
2. Shut off your electricity.
Water and electricity do not mix — if a burst pipe has water rising to the level of your outlets, the electricity should also be shut off.
3. Drain your pipe to prevent future damage.
Now that your water is off, you should:
- Drain the pipes by turning your faucets on and running the cold water.
- Flush each toilet at least once.
- Turn off the hot water heater.
- Let your faucets run, now using the hot water.
4. Assess the damage and call on the pros.
It can be easy to forget how damaging water can be. Even just a few inches of water can leave you with warped floors, ruined furniture, mold and mildew, and damaged carpets. Once you’ve got the leak under control, call Mr. Rooter Plumbing. We’ll quickly identify what caused the leak, repair it, and let you know how to prevent this situation from happening again in the future.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing has been assisting homeowners with their plumbing issues for decades, and our expertise is unmatched! To learn more, give us a call at (717) 516-2673 or fill out our form!