Broken pipes are a homeowner’s nightmare. They can cause major water leakages that can severely damage your decor, furniture, and belongings.
There are many plumbing-related problems that can occur in your home but broken pipes are one of the most destructive and disruptive. Pipes most commonly break because of poor installation or due to freezing up in winter.
When a pipe bursts or cracks, it’s important to do something about it as soon as you spot the problem. Failing to take immediate action could worsen the damage in your home.
The question is, what should you do when your pipes break? Below, we’ve listed some of the key steps to take when you notice that one of your pipes has burst or broken.
What to Do When Your Plumbing System is Broken
Follow the steps below to get your plumbing system fixed as soon as possible after a pipe has burst or cracked.
Turn Off the Water Supply
The first thing to do when you notice a burst pipe is turn off your water supply. This will stem the flow of water and prevent the issue from getting worse.
Every property had two taps, known as stop taps or stop valves, one on the inside and one on the outside of the house. Switching either of these taps off will stop the flow of water. Most often, the internal tap will be situated in your kitchen, utility room, or downstairs bathroom.
Turn the tap clockwise to shut off the water supply. Once the issue has been resolved, you can turn the tap anticlockwise to switch the water supply back on.
Drain Your Taps
One of the most common reasons for burst pipes is the build-up of pressure. Draining your plumbing system will help to reduce the pressure in the pipes and prevent any further problems.
Switch off your water boiler and drain all of the taps in your home by running the water until the flow stops. Once all of the water has been drained, you can take further action to fix the pipes.
Take Photos of Damages and Clean the Area
The next step is to take photos of any damage in your home that has been caused by the burst pipe. It’s important to document all of your damages in case you want to make a claim on your insurance.
Once you have got photos, you can begin cleaning any food areas in your home. Use towels, paper sheets, mops, and buckets to soak up as much water as possible. Minimizing the dampness in your home will prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
Call the Experts
If you have a home warranty to repair plumbing issues, call your warranty provider and arrange for a professional technician to pay you a visit.
Professional plumbers will take the necessary steps to prevent the same issue from occurring again in the future. They can quickly identify the issue and fix the problem to prevent any further damage to your home and belongings.
