Your home’s pipes can burst suddenly and leave you scrambling to prevent water damage. Without plumbing repairs, the standing water will ruin the flooring and drywall and encourage mold growth, so you need to act quickly. Here’s what to do to minimize the damage while waiting for help to arrive.

What to Do When a Pipe Bursts

1. Cut the Water

The sink, toilet, washing machine, and other water-dependent appliances have a shutoff valve behind them. Turn this part 90-degrees to the right to close it.

If water continues running, cut the home’s main supply. This valve is located in the basement, crawlspace, or near the water heater. Turn the wheel clockwise to close the valve—you may need to use a crescent wrench if there’s no handle.

2. Clear the Area

Remove possessions from the area as soon as the water stops to minimize damage. This may include pulling the washer and dryer away from a burst pipe connection, clearing supplies below the kitchen sink, or moving nearby personal bath items. This task also creates space for the technician to perform plumbing repairs, as they may need to get into tight spaces to access the broken pipe.

3. Clean Up the Water

Water causes more damage the longer it sits. Do what you can to address the issue by soaking up the water with towels or a mop. Support your efforts by turning on any overhead fans and ventilation systems to encourage evaporation.

Once the area is under control, schedule an appointment with a company that handles water damage clean up. These experts will check for mold below the flooring and patch soaked drywall. They’ll also use high-powered wet-vacuums to dry surfaces thoroughly to minimize the risk of future problems.

If a pipe in your home has burst, contact the team at Amador Plumbing in Sutter Creek, CA. These professionals have helped homeowners fix emergency plumbing issues for over 20 years. They’re available 24/7, so you’ll always have the support you need if a problem arises suddenly. Get more information about their services online, or call (209) 223-2204 to request immediate assistance and plumbing repairs.