Frozen pipes are no small problem. Aside from preventing water flow, they can also burst and cause a flood. This can result in great damage to your property and deal you a huge financial blow. Knowing how to deal with a burst pipe in your home is essential; therefore, we present you with a quick guide.
1. Prevention
First of all, prevention is vital. If you prepare well for the harsh winter conditions, you should have no issues with your pipes. The first thing you can do is keep the heat on as that will keep the pipes warm and prevent water from freezing. You can also leave the faucet dripping as that will relieve the pressure in the pipes and keep them from bursting. Moreover, proper insulation plays a big role in keeping the pipes warm. In case you notice a frozen pipe, you can slowly thaw it using a hairdryer or warm washcloth.
2. Check your pipes
If you notice that some of your taps are not working properly, you should first check with your neighbors to see whether they are experiencing the same problem. If they are, maybe the issue is with the water supply. In case they are not having any problems, you might have a burst pipe.
3. Turn off your water and electricity
Once you’ve realized that a pipe has burst, it is crucial to shut off your water supply as soon as possible. This can reduce the damage to the area. Don’t forget to power down and unplug all electrical devices in the area, or even completely shut off the electricity in that part of the home. If you have to walk through water, put on rubber insulated boots.
4. Take prompt action
After you’ve turned off the water supply, you should turn on all cold water taps and flush the toilets. Switch off the heating, and once water heating is completely off, you can turn on the hot taps to finish draining the system. You can temporarily bind the broken pipe with tape or cloth.
5. Call a professional
However, it is imperative that you call a plumber as soon as possible, especially if you don’t know your way around pipes. You should keep the number of a reliable emergency plumber nearby at all times, particularly in winter. These professionals are available 24/7 and will be at your door in no time.
6. Protect your possessions
Having turned off the water supply and called for professional help, you should concentrate on your belongings. Remove furniture, appliances, or clothes from the affected area. You do not need your things staying in water any longer as that can damage them even further.
7. Remove the water
After you have removed your possession from the area, you should remove all standing water as it can do a lot of damage. Get mops, towels, sponges, buckets, and wet/dry vacuums to get rid of the water. To remove the moisture from your interior, you should run a dehumidifier to dry out the area. On the other hand, if your walls, floors, and ceilings were affected by the water, you might have to call a water damage restoration service. They can help you dry the air and prevent mold from growing in your home.
8. Contact your insurance company
Providing that your policy covers water damage caused by burst pipes, you should contact your insurance company. Make a list and take photos of damaged items as that will help with filing your claim. Once the damage is assessed, you should get reimbursed which should cover your repair costs.
Even though a burst frozen pipe can do a lot of damage to your property, it’s important that you do not panic. Stay safe by turning off the water and calling the pros. Everything else can be dealt with in time.