What To Do if a Pipe Bursts

One of the most common plumbing issues is pipes that burst due to freezing temperatures in the winter. Below are some tips on what to do if a pipe bursts in your home. And remember if you need a professional to find or fix your leak, call Premier Service Company, Inc. at 205-752-6332.

1. Turn off the water immediately.

The shut-off on your water main is located wherever the main service pipe connects to your house. If you can’t find the main water shut off inside your home look outside. The main water shut-off outside your home is usually located near the street and is in a square box on the ground. You will need a wrench or a water meter key to access the actual shut-off. All water shut-off valves turn clockwise to shut off.

2. Clear the pipes.

Run cold water through all faucets until nothing flows. Flush each toilet at least once to clear the water.

3. Shut off the water heater.

Once the hot water system is off, run the hot water side of the faucets until all water is clear.

4. Locate the break in the pipe, assess the damage, and fix the leak.

Once you have located the break, you can assess the damage. You can fix the leak yourself or call a professional. If you choose to repair it yourself make sure you slowly turn back on the water and check to make sure the leak has been repaired. Be careful about water damage.

5. Dry out the damp area around the leak.

If it's light damage, you may be able to dry it out yourself. It’s never a bad idea to call a professional in to do the drying. It’s a lot less of a headache to get it dried out the right way than to let mold and mildew build up and possibly compromise your and your family’s health. Also, if those things do build up then you are looking at replacing everything in that area that was affected which is more expensive than just drying it out the right way the first time.