Burst water pipes can be a major inconvenience and a potential hazard to your home or building. They can cause water damage, increase your water bill, and potentially lead to the growth of mold and mildew. It’s important to know what to do when faced with burst water pipes to minimize the damage and prevent further issues.
When dealing with burst pipes, it’s important to know what not to do. Don’t ignore the problem, don’t attempt to repair the pipes yourself if you’re not a professional, and don’t use heat to dry the affected area or touch contaminated water. Also, turn off the main water supply before beginning any repairs. By following these guidelines, you can avoid making the situation worse and ensure the safety of your home or building.
This article will provide key information and tips on what to avoid when dealing with burst water pipes.
- Don’t Ignore the Problem
Ignoring the problem of burst pipes can lead to even more damage and increase the cost of repairs. The longer you wait to address burst pipes, the more water can seep into your walls, flooring, and other structures, causing extensive damage. In some cases, burst pipes can also cause your water bill to skyrocket as water continues to flow out of the pipes.
Additionally, standing water and high humidity can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can be harmful to your health and cause further damage to your home or building. Don’t ignore the problem of burst pipes; take action as soon as you notice water damage or hear the sound of running water to minimize the damage and prevent further issues.
- Don’t Use Electrical Appliances Near the Water
Using electrical appliances near water from burst pipes is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Water and electricity are a lethal combination; even a small amount of water can conduct electricity and cause severe injury or even death.
If there is water near electrical outlets or appliances, you should immediately turn off the power to the affected area. This includes unplugging electrical devices and turning off the circuit breaker if necessary.
Do not use any electrical appliances, such as vacuum cleaners or fans, near the water until the area has been completely dried and the electrical power has been restored. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and avoid using electrical appliances near water to prevent the risk of electrical shock.
- Don’t Try to Repair the Pipes Yourself
Attempting to repair burst pipes yourself can be dangerous and cause more damage if not done correctly. Plumbing repair is a complex and specialized task that requires technical knowledge and experience.
If you’re not a professional plumber, it’s best to leave the repair work to the experts. Trying to repair the pipes yourself can lead to mistakes, such as using the wrong parts or tools or making improper connections that can lead to additional leaks or damage.
In addition, attempting to repair pipes in hard-to-reach areas, such as walls or ceilings, can be dangerous and require specialized equipment and training. To ensure the safe and proper repair of your burst pipes, it’s best to call a professional plumber for plumbing repair.
- Don’t Touch Contaminated Water
Touching contaminated water from burst pipes can pose a severe health risk, so it’s important to avoid doing so. Burst pipes can cause water to mix with chemicals, sewage, or other harmful substances, which can be hazardous to your health. Contaminated water can sometimes carry bacteria or viruses that can cause serious infections or illnesses.
If you come into contact with contaminated water, it’s important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible. You should also avoid touching your face or mouth and any food or objects until you have washed your hands.
To minimize the risk of exposure to contaminated water, it’s best to wear gloves, boots, and other protective clothing when dealing with water damage from burst pipes. If the water is contaminated, it’s also important to call a professional to handle the cleanup and repair process.
- Don’t Forget to Turn Off the Water Supply
Turning off the main water supply is essential when dealing with burst pipes and should be remembered. Leaving the water supply on will only cause more water to flow out of the damaged pipes, which can increase the severity of the water damage and make the repair process more difficult.
Turning off the water supply will also prevent additional water from flowing into the pipes. To turn off the water supply, you should locate the main shutoff valve, usually found near the water meter or in the basement.
If you cannot locate the main shutoff valve, you can also turn off the water supply at the meter or call your local water utility. Turning off the water supply can minimize the damage from burst pipes and make the repair process easier.
- Don’t Wait to Call for Help
Waiting to call for help with plumbing repair can make the problem of burst pipes much worse. Time is of the essence when dealing with water damage, as more damage can occur the longer you wait. Professional plumbers have the training, experience, and equipment to handle burst pipes quickly and effectively.
They can assess the damage, determine the cause of the problem, and make the necessary repairs to prevent further damage. By calling for help immediately, you can minimize the damage and save time, money, and effort in the long run.
Additionally, professional plumbers can also advise you on steps you can take to prevent similar issues from happening in the future. So don’t wait; call a professional plumber as soon as you notice burst pipes to start the repair process and minimize the damage to your home or building.
Let the Professionals at Salisbury Plumbing Take Care of Your Burst Water Pipes
Don’t wait to deal with burst water pipes. If you need plumbing repair services during a burst, contact the professionals at Salisbury Plumbing. We’ve served the Utah County area for over 15 years and have specialists available 24/7 for plumbing emergencies. Call us at 385-375-1207 or fill out our online form today for a free estimate.
