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Were you looking for advice around What To Do And What Not To Do When Dealing With Water Damage?

What should you do if a pipes bursts in your home, developing a mini-waterfall and also swamping a location of your residence? In this circumstance, you need to act quickly. The longer you wait, the extra extreme the water damages in your property. When an emergency such as this happens, clearheadedness is vital. For these reasons, you need to learn what to in case of a ruptured pipes. Since time is of the essence, examine out the complying with tips listed below to assist you act quickly.

 

 

Shut Off the Key Waterline Shutoff

The first thing you have to do is close the shut-off shutoff. Look for the local shut-off valve to turn-off water in one certain location just. If you do not recognize where the local shut-off shutoff to the component is, you need to turn-off the major waterline shutoff. This will remove the water in your whole residence. Typically, the major valve is located outside the residence alongside the water meter. If it's not there, you can also find it in the basement at an eye-level or it could be in the 1st floor on the ground. Normally, builders yet the shut-off shutoff generally ground degree washroom or right next to it.

 

 

Call Water Damage Repair Pros for Assistance

After shutting the water source, call the pros for help. With their specialist help, you can reduce exacerbation since water can leak with your points resulting in deformed baseboards, loose ceramic tiles, or damages structure.

 

 

Record the Damages For Insurance coverage

As you are waiting for the pros to get here, record the damage triggered by the errant pipe. Staying positive with this allows you to submit a case for insurance coverage, which will certainly assist you and also your family members obtain back on your feet.

 

 

Restore Things That Can Be Saved

Peruse the products and also take out the most vital ones from the pile once you're done taking pictures. Dry them off and attempt to maintain as long as you can. Drag them away from wetness so they can begin to dry.

 

 

Start the Drying Process

Fortunately, water from your waterlines are tidy so you do not have to worry regarding sewage system water. The moving water may have disrupted the dust as well as particles in your carpetings and floorboards. Be prepared with handwear covers as you make use of buckets to discard out the water.

Experts are the only ones qualified to repair the burs pipes and also subsequent damages. And also keep in mind, pipes do not just unexpectedly ruptured. You will normally see red flags like gurgling paint, strange sounds in the plumbing, mildewy smell, caving ceiling, peeling wallpaper, or water stains. Take note of these points, so you can nip any kind of issues in the bud.


What should you do if a water pipeline bursts in your home, developing a mini-waterfall and swamping a location of your home? For these reasons, you require to learn what to in instance of a ruptured water pipe. After shutting the water resource, call the pros for aid. With their expert assistance, you can alleviate worsening due to the fact that water can seep through your things resulting in distorted baseboards, loose ceramic tiles, or damages structure. Luckily, water from your waterlines are tidy so you don't have to stress about sewer water.

 

Handling a Burst Water Pipe in Your Plumbing System

 

Main Valve Shutoff

 

The first step in any significant plumbing emergency where water damage or flooding is a concern: Shutting off your home's main water valve, which is the primary source of water flow to your system. The main valve will often be found in the basement, though it's sometimes under the kitchen sink or in another location as a homeowner, you should know where your main water shutoff valve is in case of events like these.

And before you do anything else, including calling our plumbers, you should head to this valve and turn it off. This will stop the flow of further water through the burst pipe area, and will limit the damage while you wait for our team to arrive.

 

Calling a Plumber

 

The precise timing with which you call our plumbers for emergency plumbing assistance may vary somewhat you may take a few of the other steps we'll go over here before you do so, depending on the extent of the damage and other factors. At some point here, however, you should be contacting our team for emergency assistance.

If you're inexperienced dealing with these kinds of issues, it pays to make this call sooner rather than later often immediately after you've turned of your main shutoff valve. This is because once you've called us, our plumbers can give you tips and expertise to follow from over the phone, helping you with a few basic actions while you wait for our team to arrive in-person. We'll make sure you avoid any mistakes while taking proper action to slow the extent of any damage taking place.

 

Pipe Draining

 

The next step to perform after main valve shutoff, whether on your own or with the assistance of our arriving plumbers, is to drain the various pipes of any water that's remaining in them. You should move through the home and flush every toilet that's present, which will remove all the water from these pipes (the toilets will not refill if your main water valve has already been turned off, as it should have). In addition, run the cold-water side of every faucet in your home until they're dry. These basic steps will limit the amounts of water that reach the burst pipe area and risk water damage.

 

Other Turnoffs

 

A couple other important home components should also be turned off during this process:

 

• Water heater: Not only should you turn off the power to your water heater during this situation, you should also go back afterward and run the hot water side of your faucets and showers until they're dry. This serves the same purpose as above: Removing any additional water that may run through the burst pipe area before it does so.

 

 

• Electricity: If there is any standing water whatsoever taking place as a result of your burst pipe, or especially if there's a risk of any water contacting your electrical outlets or fuse box, you should be heading to your main circuit breaker and (carefully) turning off electricity to the home until the issue is resolved.

 

 

Documenting and Cleaning

 

And finally, it's time to get to work documenting the issue and repairing it. For smaller cracks that have formed, we may be able to use commercial tape or a chemical bonding agent for quality repairs; for more significant damage, we may have to replace certain pipe sections.

In either case, documenting the damage and repairs done is important. This will allow any future homeowners or plumbers to have proper information, for one, and will also give you a reference in the future. In addition, it's important to consider professional water damage remediation, including prevention of mold and mildew formation, if significant leaking took place.

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Just about every person maintains their own individual assumption in relation to What To Do And What Not To Do When Dealing With Water Damage.

What should you do if a water pipe bursts in your residence, developing a mini-waterfall as well as flooding a location of your home? In this circumstance, you should act fast. The longer you wait, the a lot more serious the water damages in your building. When an emergency such as this occurs, presence of mind is essential. For these reasons, you need to discover what to in case of a ruptured pipes. Check out the adhering to tips below to help you act quick because time is important.

 

 

Shut Off the Main Waterline Valve

Look for the regional shut-off shutoff to turn-off water in one particular area just. This will cut off the water in your whole house. Usually, the main valve is located outside the home next to the water meter.

 

 

Call Water Damage Reconstruction Pros for Assistance

After shutting the water resource, call the pros for aid. This is not something you can easily DIY because they require to fix the pipelines and also resolve the damages to your home. Seek assistance from a reliable company using 24/7 emergency services. With their specialist assistance, you can mitigate exacerbation because water can permeate with your things resulting in distorted walls, loose floor tiles, or damage structure. Don't take this issue gently and also seek occupation advice for full satisfaction.

 

 

File the Damages For Insurance

As you are waiting for the pros to get here, record the damages created by the errant pipeline. Remaining aggressive with this permits you to file a claim for coverage, which will certainly help you and also your family obtain back on your feet.

 

 

Restore Points That Can Be Saved

Peruse the items and also take out the most essential ones from the pile when you're done taking images. Dry them off and try to preserve as much as you can. Drag them far from moisture so they can begin to dry out.

 

 

Begin the Drying Refine

The good news is, water from your waterlines are clean so you do not have to stress regarding drain water. The moving water might have disrupted the dust and particles in your rugs as well as floorboards. Be prepared with handwear covers as you make use of buckets to discard out the water.

Experts are the only ones qualified to fix the burs pipes as well as subsequent damages. You will typically see red flags like bubbling paint, weird sounds in the plumbing, stuffy smell, caving ceiling, peeling wallpaper, or water stains.


What should you do if a water pipe bursts in your house, developing a mini-waterfall and also swamping a location of your house? For these factors, you require to discover what to in situation of a burst water pipe. After shutting the water source, call the pros for help. With their professional help, you can mitigate exacerbation because water can seep with your things resulting in deformed walls, loosened ceramic tiles, or damages framework. Thankfully, water from your waterlines are tidy so you do not have to fret regarding sewer water.

 

BROKEN WATER PIPES: COST TO REPLACE & WAYS TO FIX A PIPE

 

CAUSES OF A BROKEN WATER PIPE

 

A water pipe can break for several reasons depending on the environment you live in, type of pipe, and circumstances.

The most common cause of broken pipes is freezing. If you live in a colder climate, this could happen. When water freezes it increases in volume by 9% and the pressure in the pipes can go from 40 psi to 40,000 psi. Clearly, this could be detrimental to the pipes. Water freezing causes quick expansion, which puts stress on the pipes and could lead them to crack or weaken. When water thaws, it will leak out the cracks. Other changes in water pressure can also cause breakage. Another common cause of broken water pipes is age.

Depending on the material, water pipes can last anywhere from 70-100 years. But the older they get, the more susceptible they are to weakening and corroding. Older pipes coming into contact with another material could speed up the corrosion process as well. PVC pipes can become brittle with age, while copper is prone to corrosion and stress over time. Something that could also potentially break water pipes is when they move. They may move from construction or the house settling. Moving can stress the fixed pipe which may lead to a leak or burst pipe.

 

HOW MUCH WATER COULD LEAK INTO YOUR HOUSE FROM A BROKEN PIPE?

 

The amount of water that leaks depend on how big the break in a pipe is. If it is just a minor crack, water will slowly leak out. This isn t as serious as a full broken pipe, but it can still cause significant damage to your home. Burst pipes can leak up to 10 gallons of water per minute. The amount of water leaked also depends on what appliance is involved. The water line to your refrigerator can leak to 1 gallon per minute depending on water pressure. One toilet supply line may leak 2-3 gallons a minute and a washing machine hose will leak up to 10-12 gallons per minute.

 

TURN THE WATER OFF

 

Doing this first is imperative; everything else can wait. You need to deactivate the water supply to stop the flow of water and prevent more water from leaking into your home. Shutting off the water could potentially save you thousands in water damage repairs. Locating the water shutoff valve depends on the climate you live in. For colder climates, the valves are usually inside, such as in the basement. For houses in milder weather, the shutoff valves will probably be outside either attached to an exterior wall or in an underground box with a removable lid.

 

OPEN A FAUCET

 

The next thing to do is to open a faucet or turn on a sink. This will relieve any remaining water pressure in the pipes and ensure a full-shut down.

 

GET RID OF THE WATER

 

The quicker you get rid of the water, the less water damage and mold there could be. Use a mop and a shop vacuum to help get clean up the water. Use towels to dry everything the best you can.

 

CUT AND REMOVE THE DAMAGED PIPE

 

Once you have shut off the water and drained the damaged water pipe, you can begin to fix the issue. Cut out the damaged section of the pipe with a pipe cutter, ensuring that you also cut one inch extra on each side of the damage. Once you get rid of the broken part of the pipe, you may begin repairs.

https://www.wmhendersoninc.com/blog/broken-water-pipes-cost-to-replace-ways-to-fix-a-pipe/

 

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Do you find yourself looking for info on How to Detect and Fix a Bathroom Leak?

Shower room leaks are irritating as they interrupt your day's strategy. It is a relief that a lot of washroom leaks are simple to discover and fix, with very little cost implications.
Having a water leak in bathroom can be demanding to the property owner. But taking care of the leak comes to be an easy trouble if you know what to do. This article is essential as a home overview to fixing a water and spotting leak in bathroom. It does not replace the demand for expert experience. The write-up acts as a "emergency treatment" when you require an emergency situation action to a water leak in restroom.

 

Discovery and also Repair Service of Water Leak in Bathroom

Water leak in washroom frequently results from plumbing and also pipeline faults. There are several types of washroom leaks. You might require a standard expertise of these leakage kinds to discover the water leak in bathroom. Below are the usual washroom leakages as well as repair suggestions:

 

Clogged Bathroom Sinks

In some cases, the water leak in shower room results from sink obstructions. This is commonly an annoyance to property owners and may be unpleasant. Obstructions might result from the build-up of soap residue, hair particles, or particles that block the drain. It is very easy to handle clogs, and also you may not require specialist skills.

 

What to Do

You can make use of a drain serpent to eliminate the particles in the drain and also let the stationary water flow. Drain pipes cleaners are likewise readily available in stores as well as are easy to use. A bettor is likewise practical in clearing your drainpipe. It is a common house tool and also comes in convenient in removing annoying blockages in sinks as well as drains.

 

Bathroom Leaks

Often, water leaks from the toilet and swimming pools around the commode base. It is an eyesore in the shower room and needs prompt attention.

 

What to Do

If there are loose bolts in between the cistern as well as toilet, you only require to tighten them. In some cases you may need to reapply wax on the gasket or call in a bathroom leakage specialist to change damaged or worn components.

 

Dash Leaks

These commonly result from water splashing on the bathroom flooring from the bathtub. It harms the shower room floor and might cause rot to wood floors and shower room doors.

 

What to Do

This restroom leak is the simplest to repair. You only require to replace the drapes or recaulk the bathtub or shower. If the leakage has harmed the shower room floor or door, you might need to transform these to prevent more damage. The bright side is that you can include a pipes specialist to assist with the shower room fixing.

 

Verdict

Water leakages in the bathroom are avoidable events in the residence. When they do, fix them without delay, or involve the services of a specialist.
The write-up offers as a "very first help" when you need an emergency situation action to a water leakage in washroom.
Water leakage in bathroom generally results from pipes and pipe faults. You may need a fundamental understanding of these leakage kinds to identify the water leak in restroom. Often, the water leakage in shower room results from sink obstructions. It harms the washroom flooring and also might trigger rot to wood floorings and also washroom doors.

 

5 Ways You Can Tell There's Water Leaking In The Bathroom

 

Mold and mildew

 

The presence of mold or mildew is a big indicator of a water leak. It's not unordinary to see mold or mildew in parts of your bathroom where water accumulates, like showers and sinks, but it's a problem if you notice it growing in other places. Mold grows in places that are moist and dark so it can point you to hidden water leaks.

Read More: https://www.housedigest.com/927314/ways-you-can-tell-theres-water-leaking-in-the-bathroom/

 

If you notice mold or mildew growing on bathroom walls, floors, or ceilings you should be concerned. Other than pointing you in the direction of a potential leaky pipe behind your walls or under your floors, mold is dangerous to your health, according to The Waterworks. Mold can cause an allergic reaction with symptoms like watery eyes, runny noses, sneezing, headaches, and difficulty breathing. Since mold is not only unsightly to look at, but a health hazard it's important to take care of the leak as soon as possible so the mold can be cleaned before it spreads.

Read More: https://www.housedigest.com/927314/ways-you-can-tell-theres-water-leaking-in-the-bathroom/

 

Damaged walls or floors

 

Unexplainable damage to your bathroom walls and floors is another sign of water leaking. If drywall gets wet it will crumble, bubble, and even warp or break apart. Before you notice your drywall deteriorating you may see the paint blistering or chipping off the wall. Or if you have wallpaper, it will begin to peel off when wet and show water stains.

Read More: https://www.housedigest.com/927314/ways-you-can-tell-theres-water-leaking-in-the-bathroom/

 

Unstable toilet

 

When you sit on your toilet does it wobble? If it is unstable your toilet potentially has a flange leak, according to The Pink Plumber. Toilets are supposed to sit stable on the bathroom floor and should never be able to be moved around. There are screws that keep the toilet secured down to the floor and a wax ring that connects the toilet to the waste pipe. The wax ring creates a water-tight seal so nothing leaks when water and waste are moving through the toilet. If the wax seal is damaged or worn down it will no longer provide the proper seal, causing a flange leak and allowing wastewater to seep out.

Read More: https://www.housedigest.com/927314/ways-you-can-tell-theres-water-leaking-in-the-bathroom/

 

Wet bathroom cabinets

 

Wet bathroom cabinets are a sure-fire way to tell if you have a water leak in your bathroom. When your cabinets are wet it is likely because of leaks from sink faucet or water supply lines. You will know that your cabinets are damp if you see any water stains inside the cabinets. If it is a leak from a water supply line The Pink Plumber explains that you will see water dripping out from the connectors or even puddles in the cabinets.

Read More: https://www.housedigest.com/927314/ways-you-can-tell-theres-water-leaking-in-the-bathroom/

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The author is making a number of good pointers about How to Detect and Fix a Bathroom Leak as a whole in this post just below.

Bathroom leaks are frustrating as they interrupt your day's plan. It is an alleviation that most shower room leakages are easy to find and repair, with minimal expense effects.
Having a water leakage in shower room can be difficult to the house owner. The post serves as a "first aid" when you require an emergency situation feedback to a water leakage in restroom.

 

Detection and Fixing of Water Leakage in Restroom

Water leak in washroom frequently results from plumbing and also pipe faults. You might need a basic expertise of these leak kinds to discover the water leak in washroom.

 

Clogged Restroom Sinks

Sometimes, the water leakage in washroom results from sink blockages. This is frequently a hassle to property owners and might be undesirable. Blockages may arise from the buildup of soap residue, hair bits, or debris that obstruct the drainpipe. It is very easy to handle obstructions, and also you might not need expert abilities.

 

What to Do

You can make use of a drain snake to eliminate the particles in the drainpipe and let the stagnant water circulation. Drain pipes cleansers are likewise offered in shops and also are easy to use.

 

Bathroom Leaks

Occasionally, water leakages from the toilet and pools around the commode base. It is an eye sore in the washroom and needs prompt attention. In some cases, it arises from a loosened link in between the tank and the bathroom. This triggers water to trickle from the cistern to the floor. It might likewise arise from cracks in the toilet bowl or a faulty shut-off shutoff.

 

What to Do

You just need to tighten them if there are loose bolts between the tank and also bathroom. Often you may need to reapply wax on the gasket or employ a washroom leakage professional to replace broken or worn parts.

 

Splash Leaks

These often result from water spilling on the washroom floor from the bathtub. It is a consequence of using an inadequate shower drape or worn bathtub cellular lining. It harms the restroom floor and also might cause rot to wood floorings as well as restroom doors. The water typically pools around the tub or shower. This may result in worse shower room damages without prompt handling.

 

What to Do

If the leak has actually harmed the restroom floor or door, you may need to transform these to protect against additional damage. The good information is that you can entail a plumbing specialist to help with the shower room repair.

 

Final thought

Water leaks in the restroom are preventable occasions in the residence. Maintenance as well as regular checks help to keep every little thing in tip-top shape. Yet, you can never ever be too cautious, and also these events still happen. When they do, fix them immediately, or involve the services of an expert.
The post offers as a "first help" when you need an emergency feedback to a water leak in washroom.
Water leakage in washroom typically results from pipes and pipeline faults. You may require a standard understanding of these leak kinds to discover the water leak in washroom. In some cases, the water leak in restroom results from sink obstructions. It harms the bathroom flooring and might create rot to wooden floors and also restroom doors.

 

SIGNS OF A HIDDEN WATER LEAK IN YOUR BATHROOM

 

Musty smell

 

One of the most visible indications of a leak is a musty, earthy smell similar to what you may find in an old basement. Smells like this means that water is accumulating with no way for it to dry due to water constantly pouring out and a lack of the necessary conditions for the water to evaporate. It is important to note that this smell is a symptom and not the problem itself, but can be a strong hint that the following issues will take place.

 

Mold outside of the shower

 

It’s not uncommon for mold to form inside your shower because it is wet constantly, so you c some mold in the corners can be expected. However, the problem arises when mold becomes visible in the parts of your bathroom that are typically dry, like non-shower walls, floors, and ceilings. Mold growth in these areas can signal that there is water feeding it beneath the surface.

 

Loss of structural integrity of the bathroom’s surfaces

Accumulation of a large amount of water can have severe and damaging effects on walls, floors, and ceilings beyond mold growth. We will work our way from the bottom to the top of your bathroom. A leak can cause dark stains to appear on the floor of the bathroom from saturating with water. Additionally, a hidden leak can make the floor feel spongey when to walk on and impact the surface itself, like causing loose tiles.

As for walls, a leak can cause the drywall to deform and lead to bubbling, warping, and even deteriorating. This dilemma can be particularly expensive and intensive to fix because the drywall may need to be torn out and replaced in addition to finding the leak. Another sign of a hidden leak involves the wallpaper, which due to moisture building up behind it between the wall can cause it to hang off of the wall.

 

Stains on the ceiling in rooms below the bathroom

 

Similar to the walls in the bathroom itself, water can accumulate and lead to dark stains. However, these can be present on the ceiling of the room directly beneath the bathroom. Also just like bathroom walls, this can be a hassle to fix because patches of the ceiling may need to replaced.

 

High water bills

The final telltale sign that you have a hidden leak won’t be present in your bathroom, but in your wallet. Monitor your water bill and water use to see if they match up correctly. A monthly statement that shows more water consumption than expected may be the result of a leak. Fixing the leak should help stabilize your bill.

https://thewaterworks.com/signs-of-a-hidden-water-leak-in-your-bathroom/

 

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How do you really feel with regards to Got a Burst Pipe? Turn Off Your Main Water Valve?

You have to know just how to switch off your main water line if you struggle with a burst pipe. Don't await a plumbing emergency before figuring out exactly how to get this done. Besides, aside from emergency leakages, you will need to turn off your primary water shutoff for plumbing repair work or if you leave for a lengthy trip. Learn even more about it in this miniature overview.

 

Why Must You Close the Main Line Off?

Acquainting yourself with just how your mainline turns on and off can save you throughout an emergency. For example, when a pipe unexpectedly bursts in your home, you'll be besieged with panic. Hence, you can conveniently shut the shutoff off and also protect against a lot more damages if you recognize what to do. On top of that, shutting this off assures you don't need to deal with an abrupt flooding in your home.
On top of that, shutting and opening the shutoffs once in a while guarantees they do not get stuck. It is additionally the most effective time for you to check for rust or other damaged links. Furthermore, make it an indicate enlighten other family members on what to do. This makes routine upkeep as well as handling emergency situations a lot simpler. You can possibly save on your own thousands of dollars in repairs.

 

Where is This Key Shutoff Situated?

The main water line supply can vary, so you may need to discover time to find out where it is. Regrettably, when your house is getting soaked as a result of a burst pipeline, you don't have the luxury of time during an emergency. Thus, you need to plan for this plumbing predicament by learning where the shutoff is located.
This shutoff valve might appear like a ball valve (with a lever-type manage) or an entrance valve (with a circle spigot). Positioning relies on the age of your residence as well as the environment in your area. Check the adhering to usual spots:

 

• Interior of Residence: In cooler climates, the city supply pipes run into your house. Inspect common utility areas like your basement, utility room, or garage. A most likely place is near the water heater. In the cellar, this shutoff will certainly be at your eye degree. On the other major floors, you might need to bend down to find it.


• Outdoors on the Outside Wall surface: The major shutoff is outside the home in tropical climates where they do not experience winter months. It is commonly linked to an exterior wall surface. Check for it near an exterior faucet.


• Outdoors by the Street: If you can not find the shutoff anywhere else, it is time to examine your street. Maybe outside alongside your water meter. Maybe listed below the gain access to panel near the ground on your road. You might need a meter trick that's sold in hardware stores to remove the panel cover. You can find two shutoffs, one for city usage as well as one for your residence. Ensure you turned off the ideal one. And also you will certainly recognize that you did when none of the taps in your house release freshwater.

 

Must This Always Be Turn off?

Besides emergency situations, repair services, or long holidays, you might not require to turn off the main shutoff. For instance, so one fixture has problems, you can turn off the branch shutoff in that place. By doing this, you can still use water in various other parts of your house. For finest results, call a reliable plumber for emergencies.

 

Water Pipe Burst: 6 Steps You Need to Take Now

 

Why Did My Water Pipe Burst?

 

There are many reasons why a water pipe fails. While each situation is different, there are a few common causes of water pipe bursts, from weather to external damage.

Let’s look at five culprits, and the steps to take to prevent issues.

 

Freezing Temperatures

 

If you live in a climate where temperatures drop below freezing, be aware of the heightened potential for pipe problems.

When temperatures drop, the water inside your pipes may turn to ice. As more water trickles in, the frozen area grows… and the frozen water expands.

Over time, the pressure may be too much. Bonds in the pipe weaken and cracks form. When the ice finally melts, the temperature change can shatter both the ice and the surrounding pipe. If the pressure is strong enough, the pipe bursts.

 

To keep pipes from freezing and bursting, shut off the water to outdoor spigots and drain the remaining water from pipes. Insulate indoor pipes to keep them warm.

If pipes are on an outer wall, open cabinets if possible. When it’s freezing outside, leave at least one faucet slowly dripping to keep the water moving inside the pipes at all times.

If the temperature gets well below freezing and even into the negatives, you may want to leave a steady stream of water flowing. A water bill that’s a little bit higher will likely be much cheaper than flooding repairs.

 

Rust and Corrosion

 

Corrosion is another common cause of burst pipes. Rust and corrosion build up inside pipes, especially in older homes and in areas where water has a high iron content.

Over time, the corrosion weakens pipes, leading to an increased chance of a burst. Steel pipes are especially susceptible to rust.

To prevent rust and corrosion, replace steel pipes with plastic or copper. These types of pipes tend to resist corrosion longer.

 

Tree Roots

 

When trees around your home grow taller, their roots grow downward and outward, too. Sometimes, roots come in contact with water pipes.

In a battle between tree roots and pipes, the roots usually win. As roots continue to grow and press against the pipes, the pipes crack, leading to leaks.

To keep roots from encroaching, be sure to plant trees far from your water pipes. Choose slow-growing tree varieties that have small root balls.

If trees are already encroaching, you may try to add a physical or chemical barrier to prevent roots from accessing pipes.

 

Movement and Water Pressure

 

Sometimes, the soil around pipes shifts or moves, causing pipes to lose stability and crack. Movement may occur due to nearby construction, temperature fluctuations, or repairs made to other parts of the plumbing system.

High water pressure may also cause pipes to move. If the pressure reaches a PSI above 60, pipes may simply burst from the strain.

Construction is a major cause of pipe movement. Request that dirt from nearby construction isn’t dumped on top of your pipe system to prevent movement and increase pressure.

 

Clogs

 

You already know that clogs can back up your sink and shower drains. But did you know that they can lead to burst pipes, too? A clog can cause water pressure to build up behind it, especially if it’s deep within the system.

That’s why it’s important to be mindful of what gets poured down the drain, goes into the garbage disposal, and flushed down the toilet. Limiting drains to water and approved materials can help prevent deep clogs.

 

Signs of a Busted Water Pipe

 

How do you know if you have a burst water pipe? The most obvious sign is finding puddles of water in your home.

However, puddles can come from leaks, rather than bursts. Here’s how to tell the difference.

If a puddle gets bigger when you turn the water on, that indicates a burst pipe. Because bursts allow water to move through the walls, you may notice water puddling directly under the burst pipe, and also pooling in other places.

For instance, if the pipe leading to the bathroom sink bursts, you may see puddles under the sink and on the floor near the tub and toilet. In contrast, leaks tend to pool in just one place.

Another sign of a burst pipe? Water pressure issues. Burst pipes generally lead to low water pressure, as the cracked area affects how much water moves through the pipes.

Stains may appear on the walls and floors near a busted water pipe. If bursts are caused by rust, you may notice that water has a strange, metallic odor and reddish discoloration. The presence of mold or mildew may also indicate a burst water pipe.

 

First Steps to Take When a Water Pipe Bursts

 

• Locate your main water valve and shut it down to prevent any more water from flowing into your walls and home. Your main shut-off may be in your basement, crawl space, or by your hot water heater. (If you think water has come in contact with electrical sockets, wiring, or a fuse box, turn your electricity off, too).


 
• Drain your faucets. Starting with the cold tap, drain the remaining water out of the pipes, then flush every toilet in the house a few times. Next, turn off your boiler or water heater and drain the hot tap. This will relieve water pressure.


 
• Call the plumber once the water is turned off and pressure is relieved. Getting professional help quickly is key.


 
• Try to find the burst pipe. If you can find the leak, place a bucket under it to catch the water. Look for bulges in the ceiling or other signs of water damage.


 
• Document the damage. You may need to make an insurance claim, so document thoroughly. Take close-up photos of damaged items and areas, and of the pipes themselves. Use rulers in pictures to show water levels. Take photos from different angles; the more documentation you have, the better. You may even want to take a video of the leak before you shut off the water main.


 
• Clean up the mess. If water sits too long, microbes will grow, leading to harmful mold and mildew. This can lead to long-term damage, so get your home dry as soon as possible. You may need to call in a professional drying company, as simply opening the windows and turning on fans may not be enough.

 

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