A pipe bursting inside your house is a major plumbing issue. With so much water pouring into your property, you might feel that significant damage seems inevitable. Don’t worry; if you can turn off the water flow and call somebody who knows how to repair a burst pipe, there’s hope yet.
As trusted plumbers in Centerville, OH, we at Butler Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing know how to address a burst pipe and what comes next. Consult this guide to learn how to mitigate damage and restore your plumbing. Then, save our number so that you can call us when the time comes!
Why Pipes Burst in Centerville Properties
Any of the pipelines within a plumbing system could break at any time. Still, some issues can make a burst more likely. For example:
- Pipe clogs. Clogs deep within a pipeline can restrict the flow of water and waste. Eventually, the pressure builds. A burst happens because there is no place for the contents to go.
- Frozen pipelines. When temperatures in Centerville fall below 32 degrees, the contents inside pipes can freeze and shatter the line.
- Plumbing movement. It’s not unusual for pipes to move or contract due to temperature fluctuations or plumbing repairs. If the movement causes too much pressure, a major leak can develop.
- Corrosion. Rusty metal pipes can create massive holes. This problem usually occurs when there is too much iron in the water or an unbalanced pH.
Of course, in the moment, knowing why is not as important as knowing how to repair a burst pipe if you’d like to avert major water damage or worse.
Steps To Take If a Pipe Bursts in Your House
Got a burst pipe? Take these immediate steps to get things under control.
Contact Centerville Plumbers
If a pipe breaks in your Centerville home, don’t panic. Immediately contact a local plumber like Butler Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for expert help.
Shut Off Water Supply
Next, you’ll need to stop the water. Locate your property’s water main and turn it off. If you leave it on and someone flushes a toilet or turns on a faucet, more water will enter the system, and extensive water damage could follow.
Drain Remaining Water From Faucets and Pipes
With the main water supply off, eliminate the rest of the water from faucets, toilets, and pipelines to protect your property from mold and mildew growth. Open all faucets to drain this water and check the toilets are fully empty.
Clean Up Mess
You may not have a plumber’s knowledge of how to repair a burst pipe, but this process includes cleaning up the mess as fast as possible. Mop up as much of the water as possible, and then use fans and open windows or doors to increase ventilation and dry everything. Stagnant water can cause major property damage and increase mold risks, so don’t delay.
Identify Burst Location and Consider Temporary Pipe Repair
If you find the exact cause of the leak and the pipe is accessible, implement a temporary fix while you wait for your local plumber to arrive. A temporary repair, like slipping a repair sleeve over the affected pipeline, may allow you to turn your water back on without additional mess. If you only have household items available, you might cover the hole with a bit of rubber and a wooden block, holding these stoppers in place with a clamp.
Contact Your Insurance Company
With the leak and mess under control, consider your homeowners’ insurance policy. Does it cover the water damage from the burst pipe? Document the damage with photos and videos while you clean up, and then contact your insurer.
Tips for Preventing Pipe Damage
Knowing how to repair a burst pipe is a skill all homeowners should have in an emergency. However, it’s always better to avoid these plumbing disasters.
Want to keep your pipes from suddenly breaking? Try the following:
- Insulate pipes to minimize pipe freezing.
- Turn up the heat in your Centerville home to prevent frozen pipes.
- Consider pipe replacement to upgrade lead or galvanized steel pipes with corrosion-resistant PEX or copper materials.
Scheduling regular plumbing maintenance helps, too!
Get Immediate Help With Burst Pipes From Our Plumbing Experts in Centerville, OH
Experts know how to repair a burst pipe and won’t downplay the urgency of the situation. In Centerville, OH, you can count on Butler Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing’s years of experience fixing summer plumbing issues, addressing frozen pipes, and finding leaks. Our fully licensed, award-winning plumbers are available 24/7, so contact us today!