Over the many years that you live in your home, there’s a chance a pipe may burst. It may happen due to your home’s old age, a crack that’s deteriorated over time, or even a rogue tree root. No matter what the cause is, you should know what to do in the immediate aftermath of a burst pipe until the plumber arrives. Here’s a guide to the steps you should take. 

Tasks to Complete After You Notice a Burst Pipe

1. Shut Off the Water

The most urgent task is to stop the flow of water and prevent more liquid from pouring into your home. Locate the house’s main water valve, which is typically by a wall in the basement or right outside the home. Once you find it, turn the handle to be perpendicular (not parallel) to the pipe.

2. Call the Plumber

The next step is to call in an experienced plumber so they can help alleviate the situation as quickly as possible. Even savvy do-it-yourselfers may have trouble finding the busted pipe, and repairing one is not a task for amateurs —a shoddy fix will lead to another burst. The professional will seal the hole, explain why the problem occurred, and strategize with you on how to prevent similar issues from arising in the future. 

3. Protect Your Belongings

While you wait for the plumber to arrive, try to identify where the water is flowing in the house. Unplug any electrical appliances in the area to avoid electrocution, and remove any objects that might be susceptible to water damage like books and art. With even a few minutes of determined effort, you can save some of your belongings from serious damage. Then remove as much water as you can with buckets and by absorbing it with towels and mops. If a sewage pipe has burst, however, leave that to the professionals to avoid exposure to contaminants. 

If a pipe bursts in your home, reach out to the licensed plumbers at American Sewer & Septic Service in Albany, OR. The family-owned plumbing service is available for 24/7 emergency repairs so you can count on them any time of day or night to resolve any plumbing issue. Call (541) 926-1185 for a free estimate on repairs and learn more about the company by visiting their website.