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Managing A Burst Water Pipe Crisis: 6 Steps To Follow

A burst pipe can cause significant water damage to your home if not repaired quickly. Follow these steps to minimize damage when faced with a burst pipe emergency at home.

1. Shut Off the Water

The first thing to do immediately after noticing a burst pipe is to shut off the valve supplying water to that particular pipe. If you cannot locate that valve, shut off your home's main water supply.

Disconnecting the water helps prevent flooding, which can lead to costly damage. 

2. Drain the Burst Pipe

With the water supply to the burst pipe cut off, open all faucets connected to that pipe to drain the remaining water from the pipe. Start with the faucets on the topmost floor of your house and finish with the ones in the basement.

3. Turn Off the Electricity

A burst water pipe is a significant electrical hazard in your home. If the escaping water comes into contact with electricity, it can cause electrocution or start a house fire. To prevent these hazards, make sure you turn off the electricity at your home's main electrical panel.

4. Remove Water From Your Home

A burst pipe can leave you with a lot of standing water on your floors. With the water and electricity services disconnected, use a bucket and mop to remove any water before it can soak in and cause extensive damage.

5. Fix the Burst Pipe

Once you have removed all the standing water from your home, repair the pipe. You'll need to remove the damaged section of the pipe and replace it with a new one. Only attempt the repair if you have the expertise and experience required to do it correctly.

Otherwise, you may risk a recurrence of the problem.

6. Address the Water Damage

The water that escapes from a burst pipe can result in wet items and surfaces, which can become damaged or lead to mold infestation if not repaired or restored.

After repairing your burst pipe, schedule a professional water damage and remediation service to help tackle the water damage to your home.

Acting quickly and decisively is essential when dealing with a burst water pipe in your home. That said, quality repairs are essential to effectively fix the damage. If you're not comfortable repairing a burst pipe on your own, contact an emergency plumber for assistance. They have the tools, expertise, and experience necessary to get the job done correctly.