Not many things can instantly turn a good day into a bad one quite like a burst water main. Water spilling out everywhere can cause extensive damage to your home and belongings, not to mention the inconvenience of being without water until the repairs are made. So what should you do if you find yourself in this situation?
The first thing to do is to call the plumber. If you need a professional plumber, Acme Plumbing is always available to help. Our licensed and insured plumbers are experts in water main repair and can have your problem fixed in no time.
Once you’ve called the plumber, there are a few things you can do to help minimize the damage until they arrive. First, turn off the water at the main valve. This will stop more water from coming into your home and causing more damage.
Find The Main Water Shut Off Valve
The main water shut off valve is usually located near the water meter or where the main water line enters your home. It may be inside your home, in a crawl space, or in your basement. If you’re not sure where it is, take a look at your home’s blueprint or ask your neighbors where theirs is located. Once you’ve found it, turn the valve to the “off” position.
It is important to know where your water shut off valve is located so that you can turn it off quickly in an emergency.
Drain All Your Faucets to Aid The Water Main Burst
Most water main bursts take place during winter when the cold weather causes the water in the pipes to freeze and expand. This can cause a lot of water pressure to build up in your home, which can lead to even more damage. To help relieve this pressure, turn on all your cold water faucets until they run dry. You should also flush your toilets several times to empty the tank and bowl.
Turn Off Your Hot Water Heater And Drain The Hot Taps
When you’re done draining the cold water, turn off your hot water heater. To drain your hot water heater, turn on all your hot water taps until they run dry.
Allowing Warm Air Into Your Home Can Help Circulate Your Water Pipes
If the water main burst is due to frozen pipes, you can help prevent further damage by allowing warm air into your home. You can do this by opening cabinets and doors to exposed pipes, turning on your furnace and turning up the thermostat, or using a space heater.
Clean up The Mess And Keep a Record of The Water Main Damage
Once you’ve turned off the water and drained your faucets, it’s time to start cleaning up the mess. But before you do that, insurance companies will likely want to see a record of the damage. So take photos or videos of the water main burst and the damage it caused. This will help your insurance company process your claim more quickly.
Just like it helps to know where your main water shut-off valve is located, it’s also a good idea to remember to document any water main damage for your insurance company.
Cleaning up after a water main burst can be a daunting task, but it’s important to do it as soon as possible to prevent further damage. After cleaning up, return your properties to their original condition as much as possible.
If you have any questions about water main repair or need a professional plumber, contact Acme Plumbing today. Our licensed and insured plumbers are always available to help.
Prevent Frozen Pipes With Some Extra Steps
Frozen pipes are the main cause of water main bursts. To prevent your pipes from freezing, follow these tips:
- Let warm water get to your pipes to stop them from freezing
- Seal any cracks or openings around doors and windows to keep cold air out
- Even if you’re out of the house, keep your thermostat at a point where your home temperature remains above freezing
- Insulate exposed pipes with heat tape or pipe sleeves. These can be found at most hardware stores
- Get a professional plumber to assess your pipes for pinhole leaks or other problems that can cause them to freeze
If you follow these tips, you can help prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting this winter. If you need any assistance with repairing or replacing your water main, Acme Plumbing is always here to help. Our licensed and insured plumbers are experts in water main repair and can have your problem fixed quickly and efficiently.
