January 9, 2025

What To Do if You Have a Burst Pipe: Quick Steps to Take

Author:

Proud Plumbing

A burst pipe can quickly turn into a homeowner’s nightmare, causing water damage and potential safety hazards. Acting swiftly and contacting a professional plumber is crucial to minimise damage and restore normality.

Water gushing from a burst pipe can wreak havoc on your property in minutes. While it’s tempting to attempt DIY repairs, most pipe bursts require the expertise of licensed plumbers to ensure a proper fix and prevent future issues.

Knowing the right steps to take when faced with a burst pipe can save you time, money, and stress. From shutting off the main water supply to documenting damage for insurance claims, a well-informed approach is key to managing this plumbing emergency effectively.

Quick Tips for Responding to a Burst Pipe

Turn off the water and electricity immediately
Contact an emergency plumber like Proud Plumbing & Gas for prompt repairs and restoration
Document all damage for insurance purposes before clean-up begins

Immediate Actions to Take

Quick action is crucial when dealing with a burst pipe. Taking these steps can help minimise damage and set the stage for professional repairs.

Shut Off the Water Supply

Locate your property’s main water valve and turn it off immediately. This valve is often near the water meter or where the main line enters your home. If you can’t find it, ring your local water authority (Water Corporation in Perth) for guidance.

For apartments or units, the shut-off valve might be inside your unit or in a common area. It’s wise to familiarise yourself with its location before an emergency occurs.

Once the main supply is off, open an outdoor tap to drain any remaining water from the pipes.

Turn Off Electricity in the Affected Area

Water and electricity don’t mix. If the burst pipe is near electrical outlets or appliances, switch off power to that area at your fuse box.

Be cautious when entering rooms with standing water. If you’re unsure about safety, it’s best to wait for a licensed electrician to assess the situation.

Don’t attempt to use any electrical items in the affected area until a professional has checked them.

Drain the Faucets

After shutting off the main water supply, open all cold water taps in your home. This helps release excessive water pressure in the pipes and drains remaining water.

Start with the highest floor and work your way down. Don’t forget outdoor taps and showers.

For hot water taps, turn off the hot water system first, then open the taps to drain.

This step can prevent further water damage and makes repairs easier for the plumber.

Assessing the Damage

When faced with a burst pipe, it’s crucial to quickly assess the situation and take appropriate action. Proper evaluation helps determine the extent of the problem and guides your next steps.

Locate the Burst Pipe

Start by identifying the source of the water leak. Look for visible signs of water damage, such as wet spots on walls, ceilings, or floors. Follow the sound of running water or hissing noises. Check less obvious areas like cupboards, crawl spaces, and basements.

If you can’t find the burst pipe, turn off the main water supply and call a licensed plumber immediately. Proud Plumbing & Gas can help locate hidden leaks using specialised equipment.

Evaluate the Severity of the Burst

Once you’ve found the burst pipe, assess the damage. Is it a small crack or a large rupture? Is water gushing out or slowly dripping? Take note of any visible damage to surrounding structures.

Avoid touching electrical outlets or appliances in wet areas. If water has reached electrical systems, turn off the power at the mains and contact an electrician.

Document the damage with photos for insurance purposes. This evidence can be useful when filing claims or discussing repairs with professionals.

Containment and Clean-Up Procedures

Take immediate steps to minimise water damage. Use buckets, towels, or mops to collect water and prevent it from spreading. Move valuable items and furniture away from affected areas.

For minor leaks, you might use a temporary pipe repair clamp as a stopgap measure. However, this is not a permanent solution and most Perth homeowners don’t have this type of preventative measure simply lying around the house.

It’s best to leave major clean-up and repairs to professionals. Proud Plumbing & Gas has the expertise and equipment to handle burst pipes safely and effectively. Their team can assess the full extent of the damage, including hidden issues that may not be immediately apparent.

Remember, attempting DIY repairs on burst pipes can lead to more serious problems. Professional plumbers ensure the job is done right the first time, preventing future leaks and water damage.

Temporary Repairs

While professional help is crucial for permanent solutions, temporary repairs can mitigate damage until a plumber arrives. These quick fixes can slow or stop water flow temporarily.

Use a Pipe Repair Clamp or Tape

For small leaks or cracks, a pipe repair clamp or tape can provide a short-term fix. Clean and dry the affected area thoroughly. Wrap waterproof tape tightly around the leak, covering a few centimetres on either side. Alternatively, position a repair clamp over the damaged section and tighten it securely.

Remember, these solutions are not permanent. They’re designed to buy you time until a qualified plumber can assess and properly repair the burst water pipe. Prolonged use of temporary fixes may lead to further damage or water wastage.

Apply Epoxy Putty

Epoxy putty offers another temporary solution for small leaks. Shut off the water supply and dry the pipe. Knead the two-part epoxy until it’s well-mixed. Press the putty firmly over the leak, moulding it to cover the damaged area completely.

Allow the putty to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions. While this can temporarily stop the water leak, it’s not a long-term fix. Contact a professional plumber promptly to properly repair or replace the damaged pipe and prevent future issues.

Professional Repair and Restoration

When dealing with a burst water pipe, seeking expert help is crucial. Professional plumbers have the skills and tools to effectively repair the damage and prevent future issues.

Contact a Licensed Plumber

Ring a qualified plumber as soon as you spot a burst pipe. Look for a local, licensed professional with experience in emergency repairs. Ask about their availability for urgent callouts and their estimated arrival time.

A skilled plumber will assess the situation quickly and recommend the best course of action. They’ll have specialised equipment to locate the exact problem area, even if it’s hidden behind walls or underground.

Plumbers can provide temporary fixes to stop water flow and minimise damage while planning a permanent solution. They’ll also check for any additional leaks or weak spots in your plumbing system.

Discuss Long-Term Solutions

Once the immediate crisis is under control, chat with your plumber about preventing future burst pipes. They might suggest upgrading old pipes or installing a pressure-reducing valve to protect your plumbing system.

Consider scheduling regular plumbing inspections to catch potential issues early. A good plumber will offer maintenance plans to keep your pipes in top shape year-round.

Remember to get a detailed quote for any proposed work. This helps you budget for necessary repairs and improvements to your home’s plumbing infrastructure.

How Plumbers Fix Broken or Burst Pipes

When you’re faced with a burst pipe, professional plumbers have the expertise to swiftly address the issue. They’ll start by locating the damaged section and shutting off the water supply to prevent further flooding.

Next, plumbers will assess the extent of the damage. This may involve using specialised cameras to inspect the pipe’s interior, especially for hard-to-reach areas.

Once the problem is identified, plumbers choose the most suitable repair method. For minor cracks, they might apply epoxy putty or use pipe clamps. More severe damage often requires pipe replacement.

Plumbers use various techniques to replace damaged sections:

Cut and replace: Removing the damaged portion and installing a new pipe
Pipe relining: Inserting a new pipe lining within the existing pipe
Trenchless repair: Minimally invasive methods to fix underground pipes

Professional plumbers have access to high-quality materials and tools. They ensure all repairs meet Australian plumbing standards and local building codes.

After completing repairs, plumbers thoroughly test the system. They check for leaks and proper water pressure to guarantee the problem is fully resolved.

While DIY attempts might seem tempting, professional plumbers offer:

Fast, efficient repairs
Long-lasting solutions
Compliance with regulations
Prevention of future issues

By hiring a qualified plumber for a burst pipe, you’ll save time and money in the long run. You’ll also have peace of mind knowing your plumbing system is in top condition.

Have a Burst Pipe? Contact Proud Plumbing & Gas Today

A burst water pipe can quickly turn into a major disaster. When faced with this plumbing emergency, it’s crucial to act fast and call in the professionals.

Proud Plumbing & Gas is your go-to expert for burst pipe repairs in Perth. Our team of skilled plumbers is available 24/7 to handle your emergency.

Don’t attempt to fix a burst pipe yourself. DIY repairs can often lead to more damage and costly fixes down the track. Instead, trust the experts at Proud Plumbing & Gas to solve the problem efficiently and effectively.

We use state-of-the-art equipment to locate and repair burst pipes with minimal disruption to your property. Our plumbers are fully licensed and insured, giving you peace of mind.

When you call Proud Plumbing & Gas, you can expect:

Rapid response times
Accurate diagnosis of the issue
Clear explanations of the repair process
Upfront pricing with no hidden fees
High-quality workmanship

Remember, the longer you wait, the more damage a burst pipe can cause. Contact Proud Plumbing & Gas today for fast, reliable burst pipe repairs in Perth.

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