Getting a burst pipe is one of the biggest disasters that can happen with the plumbing in your home. Most homeowners will never have to go through dealing with a burst pipe, but it is important to know what to do in case it does happen.
If you follow these steps, you can potentially minimize the damage that occurs from a burst pipe.
1. Turn off the Water
When a pipe bursts in your home or business, it is crucial to shut off the water as soon as possible. The sooner you turn off the water, the less will pour into your home or business. Depending on where the pipe bursts, getting the water shut off quickly can help minimize damage.
To turn off the water, go to your home's main water valve and turn it off. If you do not know where the main water valve is, make sure you find out. You should also turn off the electricity in the areas of your home or business where the water damage has occurred.
2. Call a Plumber
A plumber will definitely consider a burst pipe an emergency. Hopefully, they can arrive at your location as quickly as possible to begin making the necessary fixes. You should also call a plumber that offers 24/7 services. If your family plumber does not work 24/7, do some research to find a plumber that does — just in case you get a pipe burst at an inconvenient time.
3. Remove the Water
Once you have called the plumber, begin removing as much water from your home as you can. If there is standing water, scoop it out with a bucket. Use towels, mops and even a wet vacuum to get as much water out as possible.
Additionally, since the water from a burst pipe can lead to mold and mildew growth if the affected area does not dry out entirely, you will want to have professionals assist with the drying process as well.
4. Call an Electrician
There is a chance the burst pipe could have damaged the wiring and other electrical fixtures in your home, and water and electricity are a very bad combination. To be safe, you should call in an electrician to inspect the damage soon after the pipe bursts. They can fix any parts of your home's wiring to make sure it is safe.
At Mr. Rooter of Oneida, we offer 24/7 Emergency Service. If a pipe bursts in your home, give us a call at (855) 982-2028, and we will be there as soon as possible to get it fixed.