Every homeowner's worst nightmare is the ruptured pipe at midnight. Uncontrolled water flow poses a huge threat to your floor, walls and other property within a very short time. Freaking out is always the initial reaction; however, in this case, getting to the emergency can save a lot of damage. This guide will give straightforward and easy-to-understand steps that have to be taken to handle the situation until assistance is received from trained personnel.
1. Turn Off the Water Supply
The first and perhaps most essential way is to shut down the water supply. Each home has a main water shut-off valve, and it is usually located in the basement near the water meter or, in some homes, outside. It is prudent to know where this valve is located prior to an emergency so you will not have the added stress of trying to locate it while you are attending to the problem.
To shut off the water completely, turn the valve clockwise until it is tightened completely. This will restrict the flow of water going into the pipes and will definitely prevent further flooding. But if you are an apartment or condo dweller, then you have to call maintenance or building management for help.
2. Draw out the Remaining Water
There will also always be water in the pipeline, even after closing the main water supply valve. To drain this water, turn on all taps, both sinks, tubs and showers. If they manage to do this, follow the following guide: Go from the lowest faucet in your home all the way up. This will help relieve the pipes and lessen pressure, thereby avoiding new leakage.
And always remember to flush toilets as all the water can continue to drain if the tank is not emptied. The chances of further flooding are also reduced by the fact that all the water in the system is drained down, which would help the plumber take a quick judgment once he reaches the location.
3. Contain the Water and Limit the Damage
Next, turn off the water supply. Contain the oncoming waters such that the damage is mitigated. Use towels, mops, and buckets to mop up the pooled water. When you do have one, a wet/dry vacuum would be your best tool to remove water from your floors and carpets quickly.
Move the furniture, electronics, and other items to a dry place in order not to be damaged by water. For bigger things that cannot be moved, put aluminum foil or wooden blocks under the legs so they are raised off the ground. If the broken pipe is near electrical outlets or appliances, take care to avoid electric shock.
If water soaks into any walls or ceilings, this must be done immediately. Dry the area as much as feasible with fans and dehumidifiers. This step is critical, for moisture left behind enables mold growth, which brings a raft of nasty problems.
4. Identify the Source of the Burst Pipe
You may identify the cause of the stream and position yourself to assess the extent of the outbreak. Look for leaks: good indicators are water stains on walls or ceilings, visible cracks in pipes, or pools of water in specific areas. Pipes burst due to freezing temperatures, high water pressure, or corrosion.
Once you've identified the source, there will be valuable information to relay to the plumber. Make sure to take pictures or videos of the damage, as they can be quite useful for future insurance claims. This will also help the plumber understand the cause of the damage to better prepare for the repair.
If it's not that hard to reach, you might even stop the leak and wait for the plumber to fix the pipe by yourself. A small tear or leak could be bandaged with rubber tape, some pipe clamps, or even wrapped with a tightly tied cloth until the plumber comes.
5. Call a Plumber and Monitor the Situation
With the immediate crisis under control, it's time to call a professional plumber. Be sure to provide clear details about the situation, including the location of the burst, the amount of water involved, and any steps you've already taken. This information helps the plumber prepare for the job, potentially speeding up the repair process.
Wait and continue monitoring the site. Look for new signs of water leaks or pools. For safety purposes, it is prudent to turn the power off near electrical cables or outlets in case it leaks near such areas. Children and pets should be kept off the site for fear of accidents.
Keep your home above the freezing mark so that such cold weather conditions do not cause further pipe problems. In winter, frozen pipes usually burst, and maintaining the home within a steady indoor temperature would prevent further trouble.
Conclusion
Many people are overwhelmed when their pipe in the house bursts at midnight, but the key thing is to act fast to minimize the resulting havoc. When you shut off the water, let the system drain, confine the water, locate the source, and call a plumber, you are on top of things. Here are some basic actions to prevent your things and house from becoming messy when a professional plumber is on the way. It is not possible to predict an emergency, but having the right information makes a lot of difference.
