A burst pipe is a homeowner’s nightmare, especially when it happens after hours. It’s a common issue that almost everyone will experience at least once in their lifetime. However, there are steps you can take to manage a burst pipe emergency and mitigate the damage before a plumber arrives. First, you need to know how to identify if you have a burst pipe:
**Identifying a Burst Pipe:**
– **Visible Water:** Look for pooling or flowing water where it shouldn’t be, such as under sinks, behind walls, or in the yard.
– **Water Pressure:** Sudden drops in water pressure or no water at all from faucets can indicate a burst pipe.
– **Strange Noises:** Hissing or banging sounds coming from pipes could signal a burst.
**What You Can Do Before Calling a Plumber:**
If you identify a burst pipe in your home, take these steps to manage the emergency and minimise damage:
– **Shut Off Water:** Locate your main water shut-off valve and turn it off to stop the flow of water. This will prevent further flooding and damage.
– **Drain Faucets:** Open faucets to relieve pressure and drain any remaining water in the pipes.
– **Inspect and Assess:** Look for the source of the burst and assess the extent of the damage. Use towels or buckets to collect water and protect your belongings.
– **Call a Plumber:** Contact a licensed plumber immediately to repair the burst pipe and assess any necessary repairs.
**Tips for Tenants:**
If you are renting and encounter a burst pipe:
– **Notify Landlord:** Contact your landlord or property manager immediately to report the issue.
– **Follow Instructions:** Follow any instructions provided by your landlord or property management regarding emergency repairs and contacting a plumber.
– **Document Damage:** Take photos of any damage caused by the burst pipe for insurance purposes and to document the situation.
By acting quickly and following these steps, you can effectively manage a burst pipe emergency and minimise the impact on your home and belongings.
How to identify a burst pipe?
There are multiple signs to look for when you suspect that you have a burst water pipe, these include:
- There is a pool of water building up in the suspected area;
- You see water spurting out of a wall, or there’s wetness around the area that seems to be getting worse;
- There is a hissing or loud spraying sound in areas or suspected areas of your home where plumbing is installed;
- You notice that you have a higher water bill than usual.
What can you do before calling a plumber?
If you do in fact identify a burst pipe within your home, here are some steps to deal with burst pipe emergency to help contain the problem.
If you have a burst pipe inside or outside your home:
- Turn off the water supply at the water meter as soon as you can. This will shut off the flow of water to your house and stop the leak.
- Contain the affected area by keeping children and pets away from the area.
- Contact your local emergency plumber as soon as you can.
For the best local, emergency plumbing service call Service Today on 1300 859 383. They offer same day service, and operate 24/7 and can assist you with your emergency plumbing problem.
Tips for tenants.
If you are a tenant and you have a pipe burst in your home still action the three steps above. These will help control the issue and minimise the damage to the landlord’s property. Then contact your agent as soon as possible so they can get an emergency plumber out to you straight away.
If you are in need of an emergency plumber
If you are someone living in Australia who is experiencing a burst water pipe please feel free to call Service Today on 1300 859 383 and they will send one of their technicians out to you as soon as possible to help.
