How to Fix a Burst Pipe

Finding a burst pipe in your home can be a scary experience. A burst pipe often means a large amount of water escaping from it and the potential for water damage in your home. 

If you have found a burst pipe inside your household, you will likely need to call a 24-hour emergency plumber near you to address the damage and conduct the necessary repairs. However, you can take steps to control the situation and prevent any damage from worsening while you wait.

Turn Off the Water Mains

Finding a burst pipe is an emergency that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. The first thing you need to do after finding a burst or cracked pipe is to locate your main water valve and shut it off, especially if the pipe is still actively leaking water. While it will cut your home off from the local water supply, it will also prevent more water from leaking inside your home, limiting the risk of water damage.

You can typically find the main water valve inside your home. Depending on the layout of your home, it may be near the water meter, in your basement, under your kitchen sink, inside a dedicated crawl space or near your water heater.

Call an Emergency Plumber

Once you have turned off the water mains, contact an emergency plumber near you and explain the situation. Professional plumbers have the skills and equipment to assess the damage, inspect your plumbing network and conduct repairs. 

If you are wondering who to call for a burst pipe, consider contacting a licensed professional local to your area. For example, if you are in Charleston, SC, call the emergency plumbers at Blue Collars. 

Our team is local to the area and can also service surrounding communities, including North Charleston, Folly Beach, Goose Creek, Hanahan, the Isle of Palms, James Island, Johns Island, Kiawah Island, Ladson, Mount Pleasant, Sangaree, Summerville and West Ashley. 

Find and Drain Every Faucet

Even after turning off the main water supply, small quantities of water may remain in the faucets. Locate every faucet in the home and drain them until no water remains.

Doing so will remove the last of the water from your plumbing network and relieve any residual pressure from your piping. Draining faucets can also prevent the water they hold from leaking through the burst pipe, potentially increasing the risk of water damage.

Shut Off the Water Heater

Turning off the water heater after shutting down the water mains is essential for safety. If you have a gas water heater, turn the gas supply off or set the heater to pilot mode as well so the burner doesn’t come on without any water.

Following these steps will help prevent your heater from increasing the temperature of any remaining water in the tank to unsafe temperatures. Neglecting these steps can create dangerous pressure levels inside the tank, potentially causing it to burst.

Check the Location of the Damage and React Accordingly

If the burst water pipe is near electrical wiring or power outlets, locate your breaker box and shut off the power. 

Following this step is an additional safety measure to prevent the risk of an electrical shock, avoid short circuits and electrical fires and protect your powered appliances. It will also help keep you and the emergency plumber safe, ensuring they aren’t at risk while addressing burst pipe repairs.

Clean Up the Affected Area

Once the area affected by the burst pipe is safe, start cleaning while waiting for emergency plumbing services to arrive. Cleaning up and removing the water that spilled due to the burst pipe is necessary for three reasons:

• Preventing the formation of mold and mildew, which can form within 24 to 48 hours of water damage
• Reducing the health risks associated with water-damaged areas, such as the growth of bacteria
• Limiting water from penetrating the flooring, walls and furniture which can further increase water damage
• Protect your home’s foundations and beams from structural damage due to water exposure

Call Emergency Plumbers at Blue Collars Today

If you need professional plumbing in Charleston, SC, look no further than Blue Collars. We are licensed and experienced professionals capable of providing a complete range of HVAC and plumbing services, including 24-hour emergencies.

You can trust our expertise if you need an inspection or immediate help after a burst pipe. Contact us today to schedule a service.