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How to handle a burst water main (before the plumber arrives)An unexpected burst water main can leave you frazzled instantly. A torrent of water is destroying your property and causing panic. You can prevent panic mode and handle water main bursts with confidence with a little knowledge and preparation beforehand.In order to determine the best approach to water main break repair, we need to know what your number one priority is: CALL THE PLUMBERS! It's up to you to call the plumber first if you want to prevent further water damage.After professional assistance is on the way, you can begin putting together your action plan for handling your burst water main emergency. Your first thought and plan of action should be to shut off the water supply to the house.Locate the main water shutoff valve firstFirst, shut off the main water valve. Umm what? What's up with my main shut off valve? That's good to know ahead of time. Picture yourself in two different scenarios.The water main bursts and now you're scrambling all over the place looking for the shut off valve as water spouts all over. Check the basement, crawl spaces, and around the water heater. Do you know where the main water shutoff valve is? Maybe it's under that metal lid thingy that's close to the street. By now you are frazzled!When you are experiencing a burst water main emergency, you have called the plumber who quickly shut off the water to the house since you know where the main water shut off valve is. Your first two (and most important) steps for dealing with a burst water main have been accomplished successfully. Congratulate yourself on being an efficient homeowner!If your water main bursts now would be the best time to locate the main shut off valve. This one bit of information will mean the difference between handling a burst water main with confidence or spinning out of control.Drain all faucets to help the water main burstAfter draining all faucets, the next step is to repair the water main. Water main ruptures commonly occur in winter when water freezes and expands inside the pipes. When you remove the excess water from the plumbing system, you relieve extra pressure, especially if the water freezes.Activate the cold water faucets and drain the water in the pipes. Dont forget the toilets. The toilets need to be drained as well as flushed several times.Next, turn off your hot water heater and drain your hot water faucetsTurn off the hot water faucets after tapping the cold water faucets.Furthermore, allowing warm air into your system will help circulate your waterThe circulation of warm air around frozen pipes can help. The temperature can be increased, shelves that house pipes can be opened, and a frozen pipe can be heated using a hairdryer.Document the damage to the water main and clean up the messOnce the water main repair emergency has been resolved, your first instinct will be to dive right into cleanup mode; however, stop for a moment to think about the damage your burst water main may have caused.You should document all water damage to your home as well as your possessions for insurance purposes. Take photos of everything! Additionally, your documentation will provide you with a historical record you can refer to if you have plumbing problems in the future.The same way knowing where the main water shut off valve is prior to it breaking makes a huge difference, remembering to document water main damage will also make a huge difference.The mop can be taken out and all your items can be put back.A Few Extra Steps Can Prevent Frozen PipesBursting? water mains are commonly caused by frozen pipes. In order to prevent frozen pipes, you should prevent main water lines from freezing. Saving time, headaches, and money now will give you greater benefits in the future.Pipes shouldn't freeze if warm air can reach themMake sure the temperature stays above freezing while you are away from homeInvest in pipe sleeves or heat tape to insulate exposed pipes against the cold.Get a professional to check for pinhole leaks that may cause frozen pipes. Locating and fixing pinhole leaks is tricky. Val Gross Blue Mills Plumbing is capable of repairing even the tiniest leak.<img width="411" src=" |
