It’s a concern that lingers in the back of every homeowner’s mind, especially during the colder months: “What do I do if a pipe bursts?” Burst pipes can cause significant damage if not addressed quickly and correctly. It can be a helpless feeling to watch water pour from a pipe and not know how to stop it or where to begin. Luckily, with the right preparation and steps, you can minimize the chaos and cost of dealing with this common home emergency. Here’s what you need to know.
Preventing a Burst Pipe Is Key
The best way to handle a burst pipe is to avoid one altogether. Here’s how to reduce the risk:
Protect your pipes with winterization
Winterizing your home is one of the most effective ways to prevent burst pipes. Start by insulating exposed pipes in areas prone to cold temperatures, such as attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Insulation helps maintain a consistent temperature around your pipes, reducing the likelihood of freezing. During extreme cold weather, you can also allow faucets to drip slightly to keep water moving through the system. This simple step helps prevent the pressure buildup that often leads to frozen and burst pipes.
Insulate exposed pipes in vulnerable areas like attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
Allow faucets to drip during extremely cold weather to keep water moving and prevent freezing.
Check the Quality of Your Pipes
The second most common cause of a leak on plumbing pipes is aged or defective piping material. The type of materials used in your plumbing system plays a significant role in preventing burst pipes. Older materials like CPVC can become brittle over time, increasing the risk of cracks and leaks. Similarly, blue polybutylene, a material known for its defects, should be replaced immediately to avoid unexpected failures. Upgrading your plumbing to modern, durable materials ensures your system meets current safety standards and can withstand everyday use without issue.
Replace old or defective pipes made from materials like CPVC, which can become brittle over time, or blue polybutylene, known for its defects.
Ensure your plumbing is updated to meet modern standards.
Keep the Pressure Off Your Pipes
Excessive water pressure poses a serious risk to your pipes, as it can weaken them over time and increase the likelihood of a burst. Properly regulated water pressure typically ranges between 50 and 70 psi, which is safe for most residential plumbing systems. To ensure your water pressure is within this range, consider installing a pressure regulator in your plumbing system. This device helps maintain safe water pressure levels and reduces strain on your pipes. Additionally, you can use a pressure gauge to periodically check your home’s water pressure and verify that your system is functioning properly. Regular inspections of the pressure regulator are essential to ensure it continues providing adequate protection for your home.
Monitor your water pressure to ensure it stays between 50 and 70 psi
Know How to Turn Off the Water to Your Home
The key to minimizing damage from a burst pipe is shutting off the water supply as quickly as possible. Follow these steps:
Locate Your Main Shut-Off Valve:
Typically, the main shut-off valve can be found near your water heater, in the basement, or within a utility area. It is crucial to ensure that this valve is functional by testing it periodically. Over time, older gate-style shut-off valves can become unreliable and may fail when you need them most. If you have a gate valve, consider upgrading to a more reliable ball valve. Ball valves are easier to operate and provide a secure seal, making them an essential component of a well-maintained plumbing system.
Ensure the Valve Is Accessible:
If your main shut-off valve is hidden or hard to access, such as being covered by drywall or located in an obscure area, it’s a good idea to consult a plumber. A professional can not only locate and label the shut-off valve for you but also install it in a more accessible location if necessary. This ensures that in the event of a plumbing emergency, you’ll know exactly where to go to shut off the water supply quickly, minimizing potential damage.
Turn Off Water at the Street:
As a backup, learn how to turn off the water supply at the street. This usually requires a meter key, which you can purchase at a local hardware store. Familiarize yourself with the process ahead of time so that you aren’t scrambling in an emergency. While you’re at the meter, this is a good opportunity to check for any leaks. Be at your meter at a time when you know that no one is using any water in your home. Your meter should not turn when water isn’t being used. If you see your meter turning, even just slightly, and you know no water is being used in the home, you may have a leak. It may be time to call a plumber, especially if you don’t see any obvious leaks in your home.
Mitigate Damage: Open Faucets Below the Burst Pipe
Once the water is turned off, open a faucet below the leak in your home. This allows residual water in the pipes to drain down rather than pooling around the burst. Relieving this pressure can help prevent further flooding and damage.
Call for Water Restoration Services
After addressing the immediate issue, the next step is to minimize the water damage.
Act Quickly:
When you call a plumbing company about your leak, ask them about water restoration. They should be able to, at minimum, get a water restoration crew headed your way to start getting things dried out. These professionals will use tools like fans and dehumidifiers to remove water and prevent mold growth.
Coordinate Repairs:
Many plumbers have strong working relationships with water restoration companies. A team that works together can seamlessly address the burst pipe and the resulting damage, saving you time and stress.
Some Good News: Insurance Often Covers Burst Pipe Damage
Many homeowner insurance policies cover damages caused by burst pipes, including:
Water mitigation and drying services.
Accessing the broken pipe and rebuilding any areas affected by the repair.
A reputable plumber can help with the claims process by providing detailed documentation, photos, and direct communication with your insurance agent. This collaborative approach ensures a smoother experience for you during a stressful time.
How Aaron Services Can Help During Plumbing Emergencies
At Aaron Services, we understand how overwhelming a plumbing emergency can be. That’s why we offer:
24/7 Emergency Services:
With no emergency fees, we’re here to respond whenever you need us.
Expert Repairs:
From replacing defective pipes to installing accessible shut-off valves, our licensed plumbers are equipped to handle any situation.
Seamless Coordination:
We work closely with trusted water restoration companies and can even assist with insurance claims by providing all necessary documentation and photos.
With Aaron Services, you can count on fast, reliable service and peace of mind during even the most challenging plumbing emergencies.
By taking these preventative steps and knowing what to do in an emergency, you can protect your home from extensive damage caused by burst pipes. And when disaster strikes, Aaron Services is here to help every step of the way.
