When you turn on the faucet to brush your teeth or run a load of laundry, you probably don\u2019t give much thought to the complex network of pipes that brings water into your home. But when one of those pipes bursts, it can cause some serious damage. In this blog post, we\u2019ll take a closer look at what happens when a pipe bursts, and how you can minimize the damage. Stay safe!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
1. Flooding<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Pipes bursting can cause serious flooding to your property. This is especially the case if they burst when nobody is in and there’s nobody home to shut off the water supply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Water damage to the surrounding area<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A burst pipe can cause extensive damage to your property. If the water seeps through your floor it can be very difficult to stop and this will lead to severe water damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Burst pipes can lead to a broken water main outside your house<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A pipe can burst because it has been struck by a third party, such as a car. If somebody hits the water main this could result in your entire street losing their water supply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Excessive loss of water supply<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A burst pipe can cause excess water to be used because it isn’t being properly contained. The pressure of the water coming out is strong and this means that your taps will run more quickly than they usually do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. High water bills<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Your water bills are likely to be higher because you are using more water than usual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6. Electrocution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The chance of electrocution is high because electrical wiring gets wet. If the wiring is not immediately dried out, a fire could break out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7. Mold Growth<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Mold finds the moist conditions very conducive. If your pipes have burst and you fail to get rid of the excess moisture it will lead to mold growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8. Expensive repair bills<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Repairing a broken pipe is costly, especially if the flood damage is extensive. When you have a local plumber come out to repair your pipes you will be charged for the repair costs and any associated costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If one of your pipes bursts, act quickly before it causes flooding. Turn off both the water supply valves at once so that no more water comes through from either direction. If the pipe is continuing to gush water after you have turned off the main valve you will need to turn off the stop tap as well. To prevent further damage it is recommended that you find out where your mains shut-off valve is and how to use it properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It depends on the cause of the pipe burst. If you suspect tree root damage or corrosion, it is not covered by your insurance. However, if somebody outside your property breaks the water main so that your entire neighborhood loses its supply, this may be covered. The best way to find out if a burst pipe is covered by your home insurance policy is to get in touch with your insurance company. If you feel like the damage has been caused by somebody else, make sure to report it to the police as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are an old building with outdated plumbing, chances are that at some point one of your pipes will burst. It is important that you have this fact at the back of your mind so you can plan for it. For example, you could have a sump pump installed to help guide excess water away from your property. You should also keep some basic equipment in stock so that the damage is limited. This includes buckets, mops, and towels just in case there’s major flooding caused by a burst pipe. Some people will decide to invest in flood protection equipment so that they can limit damage and avoid serious water damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are several things you can do to prevent your pipes from bursting:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Have them checked out every year by a plumber<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Cleanout the pipes if you think there may be dirt or tree roots causing them to rust<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Do not overload your bathroom with water<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Avoid using metal plumbing fixtures because these can impact the condition of the pipes over time<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. Do not use harsh chemicals to clean out your drainpipes<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6. Have a professional check on any new pipes that have been added to your property<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes. Pipes can burst during the summer months as well as in the winter. However, if you live in a cold climate it is more likely that your pipes will burst during the winter and spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In most cases, a pipe burst will need to be repaired by a local plumber. In some cases, your insurance may cover the cost of the repair as well as any associated costs such as water damage. You can expect to pay about $100 an hour for a plumber’s work if you use one that is insured and qualified. However, a tree root or corrosion damage may not be covered by your insurance. In some cases, if a mains shut-off valve has been damaged, this may need to be repaired before the plumber can get to work on fixing the burst pipe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes. If your water main has burst you should contact your local plumber to come out and investigate the damage immediately. This is because it could result in serious flooding if left unattended. It can also lead to expensive repairs later on.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"What to do if your pipe bursts?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Are pipe bursts covered by insurance?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How do I plan for pipe bursts?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How do I prevent my pipes from bursting?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Can a pipe burst in the summer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How much does pipe bursting cost to repair?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Is a burst pipe an emergency?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n