Nobody wants to find themselves in a situation where a water line has burst in their home or business. The constant flow of water spewing everywhere can cause a catastrophic amount of damage. It’s important to remember that if you find yourself in this position, you need to remain calm and find a way to shut off the water.
Shut Off the Main Water Line
A burst pipe is going to continue to gush out water until the source that is providing it is cut off. No amount of duct tape and pressure is going to effectively stop the water from flowing out. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the layout of your home or business, so you know exactly how to get to the water shutoff valve if you need to. Every second that passes with the water on is extra damage that is being done in and around the area of the leak.
If the leak is bad enough, or a lot of water has begun to pool, it’s a good idea to shut off the electricity too. Water is a superconductor of electricity, and since there probably won’t be a dry person anywhere near the leak, for everyone’s safety, shutting off the power is a smart move.
Call an Expert
Once you have successfully shut off the water, or if you weren’t able to, you should immediately call an expert and tell them that you have a burst pipe. Be sure to be clear if the situation is actively ongoing or if you stopped the flow of water, as this helps significantly in preparations and appropriate response times.
Clear Away Any Excess Water
To avoid water damage and make the area more accessible for the plumber, removing any built-up water is the next step. Grab a mop, broom, bucket, or anything that can carry water and quickly start to remove it. The faster you are, the lower the chance of permanent damage and items becoming moldy afterward.
If you have a burst pipe and are in need of help, contact us immediately for assistance.