A broken pipe can be one of the most stressful things a homeowner faces. It can lead to serious water damage if not handled quickly. But if you know what steps to take, you can reduce the damage and get your home back to normal faster.
This guide will walk you through what to do if you have a broken pipe, from the moment you notice a problem to fixing it and preventing future issues. Read on!
Spotting the Signs of a Broken Pipe
The first step is to figure out if a pipe is actually broken. Sometimes it’s obvious, like water gushing out under a sink or from a wall. Other times, the signs are more hidden.
You might notice water stains on your ceiling or walls, a sudden rise in your water bill, or hear water running when no taps are on. Mold on your walls or a musty smell could also point to a leak. Low water pressure or puddles in strange places are more red flags.
If you see or hear anything unusual with your plumbing, it’s best to check right away. The sooner you find the source, the less damage it can cause.
Turn Off the Water Supply
Once you think a pipe is broken, turn off your water supply right away. This stops more water from spilling out and making the damage worse.
Look for your main water shut-off valve. It’s usually in your basement, crawl space, or near the water meter outside. Turn the valve clockwise to stop the water.
If the broken pipe is in just one part of the house, you might be able to shut off the water to that area only. But in most cases, turning off the main valve is safer until you figure out the full problem.
Let the Water Drain Out
After you’ve turned off the water supply, you’ll want to drain the pipes. This helps remove any water still inside, which can still leak out through the break.
Go around your house and open all the faucets. Let them run until the water stops flowing. This lets air into the system and pushes out any remaining water.
Flush all the toilets in your home too. That will empty the tanks and bowls. Draining everything makes it easier and safer to work on fixing the broken pipe.
Take a Close Look at the Damage
Look at the area around the broken pipe. You might see mold, water stains, or even damage to the floors or walls. If the pipe is visible, you may see a crack, split, or water dripping out.
If the pipe is behind a wall or under the floor, the signs may be harder to spot. In those cases, you might need to call a plumber to take a look. They can help you find the break and figure out how serious it is.
Even if it seems like a small leak, don’t ignore it. Over time, even small leaks can cause mold and damage.
Fix the Pipe the Right Way
How you fix the pipe depends on how bad the damage is. If the leak is small, you can use pipe repair tape or a pipe clamp as a temporary fix. These tools can stop the water until you can get a permanent repair done.
For bigger breaks, you may need to cut out the damaged section and replace it. This is harder to do on your own, especially if you don’t have plumbing experience.
If you’re unsure what to do, call a licensed plumber. They have the tools and know-how to repair the pipe safely and correctly.
Clean Up the Water Quickly
After you fix the pipe, clean the area thoroughly. Use a wet or dry vacuum to suck up any standing water. Turn on fans and dehumidifiers to dry out the space.
If the water soaked into walls, carpets, or floors, you may need to replace those materials. Mold can grow quickly, so act fast to dry everything out. If the damage is serious, you might need help from a professional water damage restoration company.
When You Should Call a Plumber
Not all plumbing problems need a professional, but sometimes it’s the best choice. If you can’t find the leak, if the pipe is in a hard-to-reach spot, or if you’re not sure how to fix it, it’s time to call the best plumber you can find. A licensed plumber can fix the pipe quickly and safely, and they can also check for deeper issues that might be hiding in your system.
Trying to fix a big problem yourself can sometimes make it worse. Calling in a plumber can save you a lot in future repairs and damage.
Keep Emergency Contacts Ready
One smart move is to have emergency plumbing contacts ready before anything goes wrong. Look up local plumbing companies and read reviews. Find a few you trust and write down their phone numbers.
That way, if you ever have a broken pipe again, you won’t waste time searching for help. You’ll be able to act fast and get the support you need.
Final Steps Before Getting Back to Normal
Once the pipe is fixed and the area is dry, slowly turn your main water supply back on. Watch the repaired spot carefully for a few hours. Make sure there are no signs of leaking or water pressure problems.
Keep checking the area over the next few days, just in case. It’s better to catch a small issue early than deal with a bigger problem later.
Also, consider writing down the steps you took, what tools you used, and the contact info for any pros you hired. This can help you the next time a plumbing issue arises.
Be Ready for Any Plumbing Emergency
Having a plan in place can make a big difference during a plumbing emergency. A broken pipe doesn’t have to mean disaster if you act fast and follow the right steps. From spotting the signs to turning off the water and making repairs, being prepared gives you peace of mind.
Whether you fix it yourself or call in a pro, acting quickly is the key to saving time, money, and stress. For more on this topic, visit the rest of our blog!
