Leaks and burst pipes can cause havoc if they are not addressed correctly. It is recommended that you know what to do before you actually face these scenarios. There are a number of tips that can help you deal with leaks and burst pipes before they cause major problems.
Shut Off The Water
The first thing you need to do when you have leaking or burst pipes is to shut off the water. If you allow the water to continue to flow, the damage it causes will be much greater. It is important to note that you might need to shut off the electricity as well depending on the scale of the leak or where the burst pope is located.
To turn off the water, you will need to find the main water shutoff valve. The exact location of the shutoff valve will vary depending on how your home was built and the local codes that need to be adhered to. Most homes will have their main water shutoff valve by the meter and this is where you should start looking for it. You should try and find out where this valve is well before you actually need it.
Start Getting Rid Of The Water
Once you have shit the water supply off, you need to start removing all of the water that has leaked into your home. Most of the damage that comes from leaks and burst pipes is from the water that is left. To remove the water, you can use a bucket and mop or a wet/dry vacuum cleaner if you have one.
You need to remove as much of the water as possible and start to dry out everything that you can. Doing this will reduce the chances of mould forming which is possible within the first 24 hours of a leak or burst pipe. Airing the room is another way of reducing the chances of damage and getting the area to dry faster.
Call A Plumber
If you have a burst pipe, you need to call a plumber to repair this. They will be able to replace the pipe and determine what the cause for the burst was. Ideally, you should call an emergency plumbing service because they will be able to get to you much faster than a normal plumber.
There are a lot of emergency plumbing services out there and you should try finding one before you actually need them. This will ensure that you use a plumber that offers good quality service. When you have the contact information for the plumber, you will also decrease the amount of stress you are under when there is a burst pipe.
Clamp The Pipe
If you have a smaller leak or a small break in the pipe, you can clamp it yourself. This can be done while you wait for the plumber or as the solution to your problem. You should also look at placing a piece of rubber over the leak to stem the flow of water in the future.
If you do not have rubber or a clamp, you can get one at the local home improvements store. When you look at clamps, you need to ensure that they fit the pipe you have and will properly secure it. Talking to the people in the store will generally help you find the right clamp or determine whether or not you need a plumber instead.
There are a lot of steps that you need to take when you have a leaking or burst pipe. These steps will ensure that you limit the damage which is done and are able to fix the problem.