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7 Helpful Things to Do After A Pipe Bursts

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things to do after a pipe bursts

According to statistics, almost 40 percent of homeowners experience water loss because of a burst pipe. When your pipes burst, you will suffer not only immediate water damage but also long-term damage. It is better to address the damage quickly to prevent further damage. This article will give you a better understanding of the things to do after a pipe bursts.

What Causes A Burst Pipe

There are many things to do after a pipe bursts. However, understanding the factors of why a pipe bursts is also essential. Read on to learn some of the most common causes.

Frozen Pipes

This is a common cause of pipe bursts, especially during winter. When the temperature drops to around 0 degrees, water can freeze inside the pipes, causing them to burst. If you suddenly turn on the hot water without realizing that the pipes are frozen, it can lead to pipe damage and an immediate burst.

Corrosion

This incident only happens in some houses that use a copper pipe. Corrosion occurs due to imbalances in water’s pH. These imbalances weaken the water lines, which leads to bursts and leaks. When this happens, pipes will corrode, narrow, and slowly burst open, which is unavoidable.

Root growth

Tree roots are one of the causes of pipe bursts. Roots extend and intertwine in your water line, causing cracks and holes as they wrap themselves around it. In some cases, water pipes are not sturdy enough to avoid the roots, so they continue to exert pressure on the waterline.

Pipe Movement

After a harsh winter, there’s a tendency for a pipe to shift because the cold temperature causes the water pipes to contract.

High water pressure

The typical water pressure to home limits 40 to 45 psi and commonly should not exceed 60 psi. If this happens, your pipes can become vulnerable to bursting and cause water damage to your home. Excessive water pressure causes stress to your plumbing system that leads to leaks and bursts. When you hear a banging noise, it means that the water pressure from the water supply to your household is too high.

Clogs

When your pipes get clogged, excessive pressure will build up. The pressure will rise, and the excess water will be too much for the waterline to handle, resulting in a break. Furthermore, clogs happen at the waterline because of unnecessary waste flushed down the toilet that flows into the water pipes.

Common Signs of a Pipe Burst

Not all water damage is noticeable. Here are some of the common signs of a pipe burst that might happen inside your home.

Puddles

If you notice a large puddle form when you turn on the water, it is most likely a burst pipe. Also, small drips usually indicate small leaks and might lead to further damage like mold growth, moisture build-up, and water damage. The water doesn’t only flow under but also travels through walls, ceilings, and even floors.

Water Pressure Problems

Water pressure issues may also mean that you have burst pipes. The burst affects the water pressure and how it travels through the water pipes.

Wall stains

Most of the time, stains occur for so many reasons. A large amount of water stains usually indicates that there is a pipe burst.

Water discoloration

Another sign of a burst pipe inside your home is when the water starts to have a different color. If the water begins to turn into a reddish hue, there is an issue with the water pipes.

High water bills

When your water bills balloon unexpectedly, it indicates that there are some water damage issues, including burst pipes. The excess amounts of water leaks, and wasted water add up to your bill instantly.

Water smell

Usually, if your home starts to smell musty, it indicates that mold is beginning to develop in your household. Whenever there is a water leak, it leads to mold and mildew growth that causes a musty odor. Also, when you start to smell a metallic-like smell, it indicates a busted pipe.

Pipe noises and water sounds

Constant dripping sounds and metallic clangs indicate a pipe burst. As the pipe movement occurs, it often shakes when water flows leading to a burst.

What are the Things to Do After a Pipe Bursts?

Follow these steps for burst pipe cleanup.

Step 1: Shut off the main water valve.

First, turn off the main water valve to stop the flow of water. If you have a hot water drain, use the stop tap to close the valve. Additionally, close the valve on the water heater.

After shutting off the main water valve, run cold water through all the faucets to empty the pipes. Remember to flush each toilet at least once. Also, check for any leaks from the tap water by running hot water through each faucet once the hot water system is turned off.

Step 2: Remove any electronics near the water.

Unplug all the electronics, and place them in a safe space to prevent possible electrical fires.

Step 3: Determine the broken pipe and inspect the damage.

When you’ve finished draining all of the pipes, look for the broken pipe and inspect the place. If you think that the damage is not that big, try patching the cracks with a commercial tape or chemical bonding agent. However, if the damage is extensive, call a plumber right away to repair the damaged pipes.

Step 4: Document the damage

Take photos, record videos, and make notes as evidence when processing claims in the insurance company.

Step 5: Clean the flooded area as much as you can.

Remove the carpets, furniture, and other items affected by the floodwater. If there is still standing water, use a mop or a towel to dry up the area. Moreover, when the mop and towels are not enough to dry up the remaining water, use a wet-dry vacuum to save time drying the area.

Step 6: Let in the warm air.

In cases of a frozen pipe, turn on the heating system to warm the pipes. But never use a hair dryer to do it. Also, doing this will help you prevent further damage due to pipe bursts.

Step 7: Keep the windows and doors open.

Let the airflow inside your home by opening the doors and windows to dry out the water completely. All rooms with exposed pipes need more circulation to dry the waterline. Also, you may install fans and dehumidifiers in the area for additional airflow.

Professional Water Damage Restoration

If you want to save time cleaning up the mess caused by a pipe burst, hire a water damage restoration service. Superior Restoration offers high-quality flood cleanup and water damage restoration services. Call our local office, Water Damage Irvine, for more information about water damage restoration.

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