Handle a Pipe Bursting Situation Till Plumber Arrives (How!)

A pipe bursting incident can occur without warning, causing significant water damage if not addressed immediately. This situation becomes particularly alarming if it involves a burst water pipe outside your house, where control might seem out of reach. However, even as a non-professional, a homeowner can play a significant role in managing the immediate impact of a water pipe burst. This requires understanding the necessary steps to limit the damage before a pipe plumber arrives. 

As per the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), approximately 10,000 gallons of water are leaked by the average home annually. Even minor leaks result in significant water wastage, with more than 10% of households squandering over 90 gallons of water each day due to small leaks and drips. That’s why it became apparent how crucial it is to promptly handle water pipe bursting situations.

From shutting off the water supply to applying temporary fixes, each action you take significantly influences the outcome. This article aims to provide detailed, actionable steps to transform you from a worried homeowner into a proactive problem-solver.

Immediate Steps to Take When Dealing with a Water Pipe Burst

Step 1: Disconnecting the Main Water Supply

In any pipe bursting scenario, your initial reaction should be to stop the water flow.

• Locating the Main Water Shut-off Valve: The location of the main water shut-off valve may vary from home to home. These common sites include basements, crawl spaces, or outside walls in utility areas. Getting familiar with these locations before a crisis saves valuable time and minimizes water damage.
• Shutting down the Water Supply: Turning off the water supply is simple - rotate the valve clockwise or as indicated. This immediate action prevents additional water from flooding the area, reducing the extent of damage and the amount of cleanup needed.

Step 2: Assessing the Extent of the Damage

After shutting off the water, it's essential to evaluate the damage.

• Identifying the Affected Area & Potential Hazards: Look for the origin of the water leak, and consider any risks associated with the location. If electrical outlets or appliances are nearby, turn off the electricity to avoid electrocution hazards.
• Evaluating the Severity of the Pipe Burst: Understanding the size and location of the pipe burst help gauge the extent of the problem. This information is also helpful when you're explaining the situation to your pipe plumber over the phone.

Step 3: Safeguarding Your Belongings

Protecting your possessions is another critical step in a pipe bursting incident.

• Moving Valuable Items Away from the Affected Area: Water damages many household items beyond repair. Safeguard your valuables by moving them away from the water's path. This includes furniture, electronics, rugs, and essential documents.
• Taking Precautions to Prevent Secondary Damage: If the burst pipe is on an upper floor, water seeps through the floor & damages the rooms below. Mitigate this risk by covering furniture with waterproof tarps or moving it to a dry area.

Temporary Solutions for a Burst Pipe

While you're waiting for a professional pipe plumber, there are temporary fixes you can apply to control the situation.

Using Epoxy Putty or a Pipe Repair Clamp

Quick fixes like pipe repair clamps or epoxy putty help manage leaks.

• Pipe Repair Clamps & Epoxy Putty: These are readily available at local hardware stores and help control minor leaks. While these fixes are not long-term solutions, they can significantly help reduce the water leak until professional help arrives.
• Application Guide: Ensure to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying these quick fixes. Remember that while these may temporarily control the leak, you still need a professional repair to permanently solve the issue.

Employing Buckets or Containers to Collect Water

Despite shutting off the water supply, leaks may persist due to residual water in the pipes.

• Utilizing Available Resources: Using buckets or large containers is a lifesaver. Place these beneath the leaking or burst pipe to catch the water & prevent it from spreading and soaking your floor or belongings. This seems like a simple technique, but it significantly minimizes the damage during a pipe bursting incident. Remember, every drop of water you catch is one less causing damage to your property.
• Regularly Emptying Buckets: As you use containers to catch leaking water, keep a close watch to avoid overflow. This might demand a bit of your time, but it's essential. An overflowed bucket defeats its purpose, and the water will end up on your floor or furniture. Maintain vigilance, empty them regularly, and you'll successfully manage the situation until your pipe plumber arrives.

Using Towels or Rags to Absorb Water

Water has a way of spreading quickly. Here's how:

• Placing Absorbent Materials: Lay towels, rags, or any other absorbent material around the leaking area. It's a quick and effective method to prevent water from spreading or seeping into crevices. This action makes the cleanup process easier later. Not just floors, if water is trickling down a wall, fasten the towel at the wettest spot, it will help absorb water, reducing the area affected.
• Replacing Saturated Towels: An absorbent material only holds so much water. Once soaked, they no longer serve their purpose. Hence, ensure that you replace them with dry ones periodically. This will make sure that the water continues to be absorbed and further minimizes the extent of water damage.

Mitigating the Water Damage Post Pipe Bursting

Once the immediate leak is under control, you must address the aftermath.

• Proper Ventilation & Dehumidification: Post-water leakage, the environment in your house can become highly humid. Humidity is a precursor to mold growth. To avoid this, ensure good ventilation. Open all windows & doors, and let fresh air circulate. If you have electric fans, use them to speed up the drying process. Good ventilation goes a long way in preventing any secondary damage like mold growth.
• Utilizing Dehumidifiers: High humidity levels make the drying process slow and increase the risk of mold growth. A dehumidifier comes in handy in such situations. It removes surplus moisture from the air, making your home's environment less conducive for molds to thrive.

Calling a Professional Water Damage Restoration Service

A professional's help is often needed to handle the aftermath of a pipe bursting.

• Exploring the Benefits of Expert Assistance: Water damage can be severe and extensive, often beyond a non-specialist's understanding and ability. Trained professionals perform a thorough cleanup and restoration. They effectively dry out the affected areas, prevent mold growth, and salvage as much as possible. Moreover, they also provide you with valuable insights into why the pipe burst occurred and how to prevent it in the future.
• Contacting Reliable Professionals: Once you have managed the immediate situation, seek help from professional plumbers without delay. Look for a reliable and certified water damage restoration service in your area. Check their reviews and ratings online or ask your neighbors and friends for recommendations. A quick response significantly minimizes the overall damage to your property.

Conclusion

A pipe bursting situation, whether it's a burst water pipe outside house or inside, is a challenging chaos to manage. However, with a clear understanding of immediate steps to take, you can effectively limit the damage until a professional pipe plumber arrives. Remember, it's essential to remain calm, take prompt action, and contact a professional to ensure proper repairs are done. This is where you need speedy plumbing services from Patriot Plumbing. 

At Patriot Plumbing, we understand the urgency and potential damage that a burst pipe causes. Our skilled team of plumbing experts is available around the clock to provide immediate assistance. With our extensive experience and state-of-the-art equipment, our trained plumbers swiftly locate the source of the leak. They then assess the extent of the damage and implement effective repairs. Don't let a burst pipe wreak havoc on your home. Contact us & let our professional team handle the situation promptly and efficiently.