A water pipe bursts is one of the most common plumbing problems in homes. Though pipes burst more often during freezing weather conditions, pipes in your home may fail at any time. It’s important to know how to diagnose and react to minimize water damage and fix broken pipes.
When a pipe bursts in your home, it could cause significant damage to your property, including potential flooding and major water loss. The severity of the damage depends on the location of the burst pipe, the size of the pipe, and the amount of water pressure in the system.
In general, the pipe supplying water to your home is one inch in diameter. Average flow rates in 1-inch pipes are over 200 gallons per minute. At this rate, if a home’s main water supply line were to burst, water loss could potentially fill a swimming pool in one day!
Here’s what typically happens when a pipe bursts:
1. Water leakage: A burst pipe can cause water to leak out of the system at a rapid rate. The water may spew out of the pipe or trickle slowly, depending on the size of the break and the amount of water pressure in the system. Luckily, water leakage in visible pipes should be easy to spot and many leaks can be stopped with some basic plumbing skills.
2. Water damage: The water leaking from a burst pipe can cause extensive water damage to your home, especially if the leak is not addressed promptly. Water can soak into walls, ceilings, and floors, causing rot, mold growth, and structural damage.
3. Water loss: If the burst pipe is not repaired quickly, you may experience a significant water loss. This can be a problem if you rely on a well or other limited water source.
4. Increased water bills: A burst pipe can also cause your water bills to skyrocket, as water is being wasted and running continuously.
If a pipe bursts in your home, it is important to take immediate action to prevent water damage and potential hazards. Here are the steps to take when a pipe bursts in your home:
- Turn off the water supply: Locate the main water valve and turn it off to stop the flow of water. This will prevent any additional water from flowing out of the burst pipe.
- Call a plumber: If you are unable to repair the pipe yourself, call the licensed plumbers at Kay Plumbing to assess the damage and provide professional repairs.
- Turn off electricity and gas supply: If the burst pipe is near any electrical outlets or gas lines, turn off the electricity and gas supply to your home to avoid potential fire hazards.
- Drain the water: Turn on all cold-water faucets in your home to drain any remaining water from the pipes. If you have a basement, you may need to remove any standing water with a pump or wet vac.
- Locate the burst pipe: Locate the burst pipe and assess the damage. If the pipe is easily accessible, you may be able to repair it yourself. Otherwise, you may need to call a plumber.
- File an insurance claim: If you have homeowners insurance, file a claim to cover the cost of repairs and any damage to your property.
Remember to stay calm and act quickly when a pipe bursts in your home. Taking these steps can help minimize damage and prevent potential hazards. Calling for professional help when you need it will get the problem solved quickly with minimal damage
The potential water loss from burst pipes in a house can vary depending on the size of the pipe and the amount of water pressure in the system. In some cases, a burst pipe can cause the water supply to be shut off completely, resulting in no water flow to the home. This can be a serious issue, especially if you rely on a well or other limited water source.
The longer a pipe remains burst, the more water will be lost, potentially causing significant damage and higher water bills. It is important to address a burst pipe as quickly as possible to minimize water loss and damage to your home. At Kay Plumbing, we are standing by to help!
