What to do if a Pipe Bursts in Your Home or Business

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

Burst pipes can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Here is what you can do to prevent pipe bursts and after in limiting water damage.

Take Precautions with Broken Pipes

A burst pipe is one of the most common flood issues face with water damage in Tamarac.  Regardless of the age or type of pipes – metal or plastic, they can still expand or burst and cause the need for water damage restoration in your home.  A burst pipe also requires a significant amount of costly repairs. This is why it’s important to take all the safety measures to prevent pipes from bursting.

Below are some frequently asked questions and helpful steps to take to safely solve any problems you may be experiencing with your pipes at home.  

Why Do Pipes Burst?

Typically, age and temperature inconsistencies, along with pressure changes can cause pipe breakage.  Weaknesses occur in some parts and can cause the pipe to break or burst. The pipe’s inability to withhold the water pressures inside it causes the damage such as expansion and breakage. 

Causes for burst pipes are, as mentioned  Corrosion and clogs are other common causes for pipe damage. 

Can pipes burst without water?

Even if you have shut off the main water supply, a pipe can be at risk for damage but the risk is reduced. 

What to Do When a Pipe Bursts:

If you experience a bursting water pipe in your home, you can do a  temporary emergency repair of the pipe to minimize and prevent further damage before a professional arrives.  These are quick and simple steps to take when repairing a pipe.

• Turn off the main water supply
• Contact SERVPRO Tamarac!
• Quickly remove and clean excess water to avoid further water damage.
• Take pressure off pipes by draining the faucets
• Circulate warm air in your home to slowly thaw pipes
• Use a repair sleeve to temporarily cover the damaged area of the pipe

How long does it take to repair a broken pipe?

Depending upon the size and amount of damage to the pipes, repair can take several hours.  For a short fix, it could take approximately anywhere  from 2-4 hours.  

Do pipes make noise when they burst?

Pipes can make noise when they burst water.  Some reports are similar to that of a popping sound or (if you have metal pipes) possibly a loud clang of metal.  However, when the moment happens it may not be heard at all. If you start to notice any noises or visible damage contact a water restoration company for further inspection.   

How to Clean a Water Pipe Line:

Essentially, the purpose of cleaning out your water line is to simply break down corrosion and sediments inside the pipes. This can include rust, lime or calcium.  There are a few inexpensive ways to clean the pipes such as using a flushing kit, or vinegar with baking soda and hot water.  You can also try to stay away from using heavy detergents when washing dishes and clothes, as these can leave chemical deposits in your water lines that can build up over time.  

How to Get Air Out of Cold Water Pipes:

If you’ve ever experienced water spitting out of your faucets, it is simply air trapped inside the water line. Typically, routine maintenance work on the water system is the cause.  Briefly running water through your faucets can help. 

Air in pipes can also cause noises inside the wall when fixtures are used. Luckily there is no serious problem and the solution is easy enough for a homeowner to fix.  In just minutes, you can get rid of any air in your pipes:

• Turn off water supply
• Turn on faucets
  • start at the fixture closest to the main water supply 
  • open each hot and cold faucet about halfway to let the air out
• Turn your water supply back on
• turn off fixtures, faucets and appliances once water flows 
  • close them in the same order they were opened

The process can be repeated for toilets, showers, tubs, washing machine and dishwasher as well as water spigots outside the house.

What to Do When a Water Heater Bursts

It can be frustrating to experience a flood from a water heater. When properly functioning, the water heater should stop the flow of water when the tank gets full.  Yet, when the pipe bursts, the tank leaks water out of the tank and onto your floors, causing potential water damage throught the home or business.  

For your safety, it’s important to shut off the water supply and power supply.  Call a professional water restoration company to extract the floodwaters and assess any damage to the property. You can take photos of any damage you may have (for possible insurance company claims)   

Who can I call when a water pipe bursts?

So many scenarios can play out when it comes to a damage to your pipes.  It may be a simple fix or it may require professional assistance.  Most importantly, if your home or business gets any considerable amount of water damage,  it’s better to call a professional water restorer to ensure all water is extracted and the property is dried thoroughly and safely to avoid future mold problems later.

Call SERVPRO Tamarac 954-960-5322 today for all of your water damage restoration needs!