Bursting pipes are one of the most recurrent reasons for plumber calls and housing repairs. Here’s some information on what happens when a pipe burst and what you can do to prevent the occurrence.
Why Pipes Burst
Your underground pipes can burst for numerous reasons. The most common causes are corrosion, freezing, and tree root interference. Sometimes they burst from uncontrollable circumstances such as collisions.
Regular ground and pipe inspections can reveal potential problems before emergencies strike. Thus, it’s best to have a plumber on your contact list who can conduct a full inspection every two years. You should also have a professional check on the plumbing before closing on a new home deal.
What Happens When Underground Pipes Burst?
A burst pipe can wreak havoc on multiple components in your household. Here are some of the damages that can occur amid those plumbing crises:
Flooding
Water accumulates quickly, and flooding occurs when homeowners can’t contain the violent flow or shut off the water supply quickly enough. That flooding can lead to additional problems such as ruined furniture and electrocution risk.
Water Damage
When pipes burst, they release water to sensitive home areas like the floors, carpeting, upholstery, etc. Those areas are then vulnerable to extensive water damage, and the repair and recovery bills for water damage can be super costly.
Mold and Mildew Growth
Floods and water penetration that aren’t tended to right away could cause mold and mildew growth, putting you and the rest of your residential household members at risk for respiratory problems.
Massive Water Loss
The pressure from a burst pipe is usually immense, which means you can lose many gallons of water by the minute. This issue can be a huge problem for whoever pays the water bill in your home. That’s why it’s paramount that you have someone on call who can immediately visit your home or office to help you stop the leak.
A 24-hour plumber is the most efficient type of professional to have on the speed dial. Getting that number in your records will ensure that someone can tend to emergencies during inconvenient hours.
What To Do if Your Pipe Bursts
If a pipe bursts, the first thing to do is to find the shutoff valve and turn the water off immediately. That’s the most effective way to prevent flooding. Next, you can try to set up a temporary fix to minimize the leak and dripping until the plumber arrives.
Water-resistant tape, caulk, and wraps can help seal the pipes until the expert replaces them. You’ll also need to remove water from the floor using a mop or towels to lessen the possibility of water damage. However, avoid messing with the leak if you see anything unsafe, and let a professional handle the problem.
Now you know all the bad things that can happen when an underground pipe burst. It’s in your best interest to have a certified plumber do preventive maintenance so that you won’t get caught off guard by those mishaps.