Five Things to Do When a Pipe Bursts in Your Home

Posted on: 7 November 2023

A burst pipe can happen anytime, and when it does, it can cause a significant amount of damage to your home. The water damage can lead to mold growth, foundation issues, and other expensive repairs. It's important to know what to do when a pipe bursts and acts fast. Read on for the five things you should do when a pipe bursts in your home.

Turn off the Water Supply

If a pipe bursts, the initial step is to promptly shut off the water supply to your home. Typically, the main shut-off valve is situated near the water meter or the point where water enters your home. By turning off the water supply, you can prevent additional damage and effectively evaluate the situation at hand.

Turn off the Electricity

Water and electricity don't mix, and it's important to turn off the electricity to the affected area. This will prevent any electrical hazards and keep you safe while you assess the damage. If you're unsure how to turn off the electricity, call an electrician for assistance.

Call a Plumber

Once you've turned off the water and electricity, it's time to call a plumber. A burst pipe is a plumbing emergency, and a licensed plumber will be able to assess the damage, locate the burst pipe, and make the necessary repairs. Don't try to repair the pipe yourself, as you could cause further damage and end up with a bigger repair bill.

Remove Standing Water

If the burst pipe has caused standing water in your home, it's important to remove it as quickly as possible. The longer the water sits, the more damage it can cause. You can use a wet/dry vacuum, mop, or towels to remove the water. If there is a large amount of standing water, it may be necessary to call a sewer cleanup service.

Call a Sewer Cleanup Service

If the burst pipe has caused sewage backup in your home, it's important to call a sewer cleanup service. Sewage backup can be hazardous to your health and can cause further damage to your home. A professional sewer cleanup service will be able to safely remove the sewage and sanitize the affected area to prevent mold growth.

A burst pipe can be a homeowner's worst nightmare. It's important to know what to do when it happens and act fast. The five things you should do when a pipe bursts in your home include turning off the water supply, turning off the electricity, calling a plumber, removing standing water, and calling a sewer cleanup service if necessary. By following these steps, you can minimize the damage and get your home back to normal as quickly as possible.

Contact a local sewer cleanup company to learn more. 

Share