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The Stress of Dealing with a Burst Pipe After Hours
Things never go according to plan and plumbing emergencies rarely happen when it’s convenient. Like when a pipe bursts in your home. The stress of dealing with a burst pipe after hours (and let’s be honest, it’s usually a Sunday night…) can be overwhelming, but knowing what to do can alleviate some of that stress.
What To Do In a Plumbing Emergency
Stay Calm: Initial Steps to Assess the Situation
Firstly, the best thing to do in an emergency plumbing situation is to stay calm. It’s easier said than done, but there’s not much that you will be able to do, other than a little damage control.
Assess where the leak is coming from and take it from there.
Shut Off the Water: Preventing Further Damage
Before you do anything else, turn off your main water valve. This will prevent any further water flow through the problematic pipe.
Pro Tip: when you move into your home, make sure you know where that is so that if there’s ever an emergency, you’ll know exactly where it is. It will usually be near the water meter or where your main water line enters your home.
Drain the System: Minimising Water Damage
Try to drain and mop up any water that has spread throughout the space. We all know water and electricity don’t mix, and if any water from the leak gets to an electrical outlet, you may have bigger problems. Not to mention damage to wooden floors, cupboards or even drywall.
So, be sure to clean up as much of the water as possible to prevent further damage or even mould growth.
Call for Professional Help: Contacting an Emergency Plumber
Once you’ve contained the situation, call a plumber! There are usually emergency plumbers available 24/7, or at the very least one that will be able to come out the following day. Your plumber will most likely have to replace the faulty pipe or repair it. It may also be worthwhile having them assess for any further damage to other pipes in your home, to make sure you’re not in for any more surprises.
Document the Damage: Taking Photos for Insurance Claims
While you’re waiting for the plumber to arrive, take as many photos as possible, of the damage. You’ll need these to claim from your insurance and it’s especially important to show the location of the leak.
Important Note: Take pictures of other damage as well, for example, cupboards, floors or drywalls that have been damaged.
Clean Up: Mitigating Water Damage and Mould Growth
Okay, the plumber has left and they’ve fixed the leak, or replaced the pipe. Emergency plumbing was work done. Now what? If the leak was in your kitchen, you may need to assess if there was any water damage to your cupboards, which would need to be fixed or replaced. Additionally, make sure you dry up everything as much as possible to prevent mould growth or further water damage.
Preventive Measures: Tips for Avoiding Future Pipe Bursts
There’s no way to prevent an accident, but you can mitigate the risk of future burst pipes through regular inspections and maintenance. As the saying goes, a stitch in time saves nine. And it’s quite true here too. With regular maintenance and repairs, your plumbing system can go the distance without causing you too many, if any, issues.
Navigating Plumbing Emergencies with Confidence
They say knowledge is power and knowing what to do and who to call in an emergency is key to managing a situation effectively.
If you’re ever stuck with a plumbing emergency, give us a call 087 701 2332.