It’s hard to know what to do when the unexpected happens, like having your water pipes burst. So keep reading to learn more.
In the event of your water pipes bursting, here is a step-by-step guide to follow and take control of the situation. You’ll want to take action immediately since water flowing from a burst pipe can quickly cause damage to your home that is costly to repair.
What Causes Pipes to Burst?
You might be wondering what could make a water pipe burst in the first place. There are several reasons pipes can break, but here are four of the most common:
- Freezing. Frozen pipes are a big concern in places like Utah, where winters can be harsh, and temperatures can drop to freezing or below-freezing temperatures. If the water in the pipes freezes, it can weaken the pipes over time. Turning on hot water when the pipes are frozen can cause the ice and the pipe to shatter.
- Corrosion. Both rust and imbalances in the water’s pH can cause decay in pipes. Over time, corrosion weakens the structure of pipes and leads to leaks and breaks.
- Clogging. When there is a clog in a pipe, water pressure builds around the clog. The deeper the clog, the more pressure can build, eventually causing pipes to burst.
- Movement. Sometimes repairs to other pipes in the plumbing can cause water pressure to increase, leading to a burst pipe.
What to do When Water Pipes Burst
Regardless of the cause of a burst water pipe, it’s essential to take action quickly to prevent more significant damage and the need for more extensive repairs. You should always leave actual repairs to a skilled plumber, but you can do plenty when you discover a burst pipe. Here are some steps to follow:
- Turn off the water supply. This prevents any additional water from adding to the existing leak after your water pipes burst. Your plumber will let you know when you can safely turn the water back on.
- Call a reputable plumber. Regardless of the day or time, you can call Salisbury Plumbing 24/7 to have a plumber come and make the repair.
- Clean up the water. While you wait for a plumber to arrive, you can clean up any water and thoroughly dry the area. Doing this helps decrease the amount of water damage and prevents any mold or mildew from growing.
- Drain the faucets. With the water supply turned off, drain faucets, starting with cold water, then moving to hot. Flush toilets to drain the water from them. This helps to dry out the pipes and decrease water pressure.
- Warm the air. If frozen pipes are the issue, turn up the heat in your home to slowly warm the pipes. You can also use a hairdryer to warm them gradually.
You Can Trust Salisbury Plumbing
When your water pipes burst, calling in a professional plumber to make repairs is crucial. Here at Salisbury Plumbing, we have over 15 years of experience providing service to homes in Orem and Provo, Utah. Based in Lehi, Utah, our locally owned business handles everything from custom homes and townhomes to excavation and sewer repairs. Give us a call day or night at 385-375-1207, or contact us online to schedule an appointment today.
