For any home located in a region that suffers from cold temperatures, freezing water lines are a common problem. When temperatures drop, a frozen pipe can rupture causing a really big mess. Many homeowners do not realize that running just a trickle of water through their faucets during cold spells can prevent frozen pipes that eventually will burst. Also, a burst pipe can take place when pipes become worn, damaged, or cracked. If you wake up one morning to find broken or burst pipes, there are number of things you can do to deal with the plumbing emergency.

Turn Off Water: When you discover a burst pipe the first thing you should do is turn off the water supply to stop the flooding. You will normally find the main water valve in the basement or you can turn off the main water supply at the water meter.

Drain Water Lines: Once you have turned off the water, you have to get rid of the water left in the pipes which will flood the home. Turn off all of your faucets and flush the toilet. This will allow the water to drain properly. If the burst pipe is located in the ceiling, you can place a bucket under the drip and then poke a hole in the bulging water spot so the water will flow into the bucket. Once the pipes are drained, you can open up the faucets to allow the pressure to reduce.

Minimize Hazards: Water spilled on electrical wiring can be a dangerous mix. If the water has spilled on any appliances and their electrical systems or on light fixtures, you should turn off the power. You can also remove a specific fuse. As well, do not touch any live wet wires.

Hire a Plumber: A burst pipe needs special expertise in order to do a proper repair. A plumber will have the tools to replace the burst pipe with a new pipe. It will not do any good to wrap the burst pipe with Teflon tape as it will just burst again.

A burst pipe can be a stressful and messy experience. However, when you know what to do when a pipe bursts it will make the experience less stressful and you will reduce the amount of flooding in the home. Hiring a professional plumber is important as they understand what to do in such an emergency. Fortunately, they are normally available 24 hours a day. A plumber will fix the problem in the right way and will check to make sure there are no more problems with the pipes. To prevent a burst pipe it is always a good idea to have your plumbing inspected annually so any potential problems can be identified and repaired. It is also important to take measures to prevent pipes from freezing. You will rest easy knowing your home is protected from another burst pipe that can cause a severe flood in the home resulting in damage of your important items.

Author Bio: Mr.Rooter, the leader in residential and commercial plumbing services, has plumbing locations all across Canada to service you. From Septic system services Fraser Valley to Septic services Ottawa, Mr. Rooter is the preferred choice for the highest quality plumbing services throughout all of Canada.

Category: Home Management
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