A burst water main is a plumbing nightmare that unleashes a torrent of water that can wreak havoc on your home.

If you are ever in this scenario, acting fast could save you thousands of dollars. But you’ll need to know where to look, what to look for, and what to do once you’ve found the source of the problem. 

This blog will guide readers through the immediate and most effective actions to take should they discover a burst pipe in their home. We will outline how to act swiftly to avoid severe damage, how to stop the water flow, and when it’s time to call in a professional so they can begin repairs as soon as possible.

Identify and Stop the Water Source

The good news is that a burst pipe is relatively easy to spot if you know what to look for. The bad news is that the damage can escalate rapidly if not addressed immediately. 

A burst water pipe can cause significant water damage in a very short amount of time, not to mention the cleanup and repairs can be extensive and costly.

When faced with this issue, what you’ll need to do is quickly locate the main water shut-off valve. This shuts off the water from the source and will prevent any further water damage. 

In case of emergency, you should already be familiar with where your shut-off valve is located.

Locating Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve

Locating your water shut-off valve can be tricky as the location of this valve can vary from home to home. It could be located anywhere: under the sink, near the water meter, in the basement, utility closet, crawl space, or even near the washing machine hookups in the garage. 

If you’re having trouble finding the shut-off valve, check the areas where the water line enters your home. If you can’t find it indoors, it may be located outside near an exterior wall. Keep your eye out for a rectangular or round metal lid marked “Water.”

If you still can’t find it, have a look at your home’s plumbing manual or contact your local water provider for assistance. Make sure everyone in your household knows where this valve is located and how to turn it off in an emergency.

Safely Turning Off the Water

Once you’ve found the shut-off valve, you should quickly turn off the water supply. The valve will likely have a handle. To turn the water supply off, turn it to the right (clockwise) until it stops completely to close it. This will stop the water flow to your entire house.

Be careful not to use excessive force, as a broken valve would only make an already bad situation even worse.

Assessing the Damage and Preventing Electrical Hazards

After you stop the water from flowing, you’ll want to assess the extent of the water damage. Look at walls, ceilings, and electrical outlets to see if they’ve been corrupted by the burst pipe.

Water and electricity do not mix and pose a serious safety hazard, so look for any signs of water near electrical outlets, appliances, or wiring first. If you suspect water has come into contact with electrical appliances, do NOT touch them.

Electrical Safety Precautions

If you determine water has come into contact with electrical outlets, appliances, or wiring, do not touch any areas where electricity can surge.

Immediately shut off power to the affected areas by switching off the circuit breakers at your home’s main electrical panel. You may contact a qualified electrician if you are uncomfortable doing this.

Avoid touching electrical appliances and outlets if you are standing in water or if the floor is wet. If you’re even slightly unsure about the safety of the situation, contact a qualified electrician to inspect and confirm that the area is safe.

Documenting the Damage

You should document the damage by taking photos and videos of the affected areas. This will almost certainly come in handy when it comes time to file a claim with your insurance provider. Do this before any cleaning or repairs. 

Take photos and videos of the burst pipe location and the surrounding water damage. You should document any visible damage to walls, floors, and belongings (including items that may need to be replaced). 

Be sure to capture the location of the burst pipe, the extent of the water damage, and any damaged furniture or belongings. Additionally, write down the date and time of the incident to the best of your knowledge.

Mitigating Water Damage

The faster you address water damage, the less likely you are to experience long-term problems. Your first step will be to remove water from the area and dry it out as best you can until help arrives.

Removing Water and Drying Out the Area

Use towels, mops, and buckets to remove as much standing water as possible. Opening windows and doors and using fans to circulate the air increases ventilation and accelerates the drying process.

Remove any wet carpets or rugs and lay them flat outside so they can dry completely. Some rugs and carpets will either have to be professionally cleaned or discarded. You can also move any furniture away from wet areas to prevent water damage.

Preventing Mould Growth

A burst pipe can also lead to further complications like mould and structural damage. Mould growth and water damage go hand in hand, with mould being a common issue that arises in the wake of a burst pipe.

Mould thrives in damp environments. So, as mentioned above, the first line of defence to combat the spread of mould is to remove water and thoroughly dry out the affected area, ideally within 24-48 hours of the leak. If you have one, a dehumidifier can remove excess moisture in the air and shorten the drying time.

You can use mould inhibitors and cleaners on hard surfaces, but dispose of any items that cannot be thoroughly dried and cleaned.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

Repairing a burst pipe is best left to a professional plumber. After you discover the burst pipe in your home, follow the steps outlined above and then call your trusted local plumbing service.

My Home Plumbing: Your Trusted Plumbing Experts

At My Home Plumbing, our team of experienced plumbers are available 24/7 to respond quickly to your plumbing emergencies. For all your plumbing needs, burst pipe or otherwise, don’t hesitate to contact the team at My Home Plumbing. We promise to get your home back to normal in no time.