A burst pipe can be a serious problem and cause considerable damage to your home. If you find yourself in the unfortunate circumstance of having a flood due to a burst pipe, it’s important to act quickly and decisively in order to mitigate the damage.
It goes without saying that dealing with a flood can be incredibly stressful, so make sure you take all necessary precautions when taking action. In addition, it’s also worth consulting professional help such as this London plumber or even insurance companies who may be able to assist or provide further advice for any potential issues which may arise.
By following the steps outlined below, it’s possible to minimise the damage caused by a burst pipe and get back to normal life faster than ever before – so let’s get started!
What Causes A Burst Pipe?
Burst pipes are one of the most common causes of flooding and water damage in homes and businesses. If left unchecked or untreated, a burst water pipe can cause serious problems, not just to the structure of your home but also to the belongings, furniture, electronics and other items within. So, what exactly causes a pipe to burst?
Low Temperature Extremes
Extremely low temperatures can cause pipes to freeze which in turn makes them more susceptible to bursting when they’re thawed out. Of course, this is more likely if you live in areas with colder climates. However, even moderate temperatures could push older metal pipes over the edge too so be sure to keep an eye out for any issues here!
Corrosion & Wear-and-Tear
Another possible cause for a pipe bursting can be corrosion over time due to age or certain materials such as copper. This is especially true for older piping systems but even newer ones aren’t immune either! In terms of wear-and-tear meanwhile, simply having too much pressure running through pipes can weaken their walls causing them eventually rupture – something that’ll require expert attention if detected early enough!
Poor Installation & Maintenance
Poor installation or maintenance practices could also be behind a burst pipe. Those involving incorrect connections and fittings that don’t meet requirements or not using appropriate industry standards when installing new plumbing are the most common suspects. In any case, though, it’s best to get a qualified plumber regardless to ensure everything is installed correctly – something will save time (and money) long term should any issues arise down line!
What To Do If Your Home Is Flooded By A Burst Pipe
1. Shut off the water to your home.
If a pipe has burst and is flooding your home, the first thing you need to do is shut off the water to your home. This will stop the flow of water and help to prevent further damage. You can find the main water shut-off valve for your home near the water meter or where the main water line enters your home.
2. Call a plumber.
Once you have shut off the water, you will need to call a plumber to repair the burst pipe. Plumbers are trained professionals who have the tools and experience necessary to fix plumbing problems. They will be able to quickly repair the burst pipe and get your plumbing system back up and running.
3. Turn on a faucet in your home to drain the system.
Once the plumber has repaired the burst pipe, they will likely need to drain the entire plumbing system in your home. To do this, they will turn on a faucet in your home and let the water run until it is clear. This will ensure that all of the water is out of the system and that there are no more leaks.
4. Flush all of the toilets in your home.
After the plumbing system has been drained, you will need to flush all of the toilets in your home. This will help to remove any debris or sediment that may have been left behind by the floodwater. It is important to flush each toilet several times to ensure that everything is clear.
5. Run all of the faucets in your home for several minutes.
After you have flushed all of the toilets, you should run all of the faucets in your home for several minutes. This will help to clear any remaining sediment or debris from the pipes. It is important to let each faucet run for at least five minutes before turning it off.
6. Check all appliances for water damage.
Once you have cleared the pipes, you should check all appliances for water damage. Any appliances that were submerged in floodwater will likely need to be replaced as they may be damaged beyond repair. Be sure to check both large and small appliances, as well as any electronics that were in your home during the flood.
Final Words
Floods caused by burst pipes can be incredibly destructive and dangerous, so it’s important to keep an eye out for warning signs. If you’ve seen water pooling in your basement, heard strange noises coming from the pipes, or experienced sudden changes in your water pressure or bills then those could be indications of a problem. It’s best to call a plumber as soon as possible to investigate thoroughly.
