When it comes to your home, there are certain things that you probably tend to take for granted. These include a string of modern conveniences such as your heating and cooling system, the ability to refrigerate food, and your plumbing.

Plumbing is something that you likely never think about until there’s a problem. And yet the pipes in your home reliably deliver hot and cold water wherever needed, keep your toilets functioning properly, and allow you to water your lawn.

That’s why burst pipes are such a nightmare. Suddenly you can’t use the toilet or take a hot shower. 

This article takes a look at how to handle your pipes during a plumbing emergency. Keep reading to discover insight into how to resolve an issue before it gets out of control.

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1. Shut Off Your Water

When you have a broken pipe, the first thing you should do is shut off the water. There probably already a mess, so this is the best way to stop the bleeding.

A broken pipe will leak water into the house quickly, so you need to take fast action to keep the damage from getting worse. 

The key is to locate the shut-off valve in the basement and turn in until the water flow to the house is completely stopped.

Keep in mind that if the broken pipe is in a bathroom or the kitchen, simply turn off the valve located beneath the sink.

2. Call a Plumber

Once the water supply is turned off, go ahead and call a plumber. This way they can be on their way while you begin taking steps to clean up the mess. Look for a licensed contractor and those that have good reviews, such as General Air Conditioning & Plumbing – plumbing installation in Coachella Valley, CA.

Here is a resource where you can learn more about hiring a skilled plumber.

3. Turn On Your Faucets 

It’s important to understand that a lot of pressure is required to deliver water throughout your home. When a pipe breaking, this pressure will continue to force water out until the pipe is empty.

The best way to relieve this pressure is to turn on the faucets throughout the house to provide the remaining water with someplace to go. 

4. Open Your Doors & Start Mopping Up the Water

Once the water in the pipes is under control, you can begin the cleanup process. The best thing to do is open the outside doors to allow air to circulate, which will help any wet areas to dry faster. 

Now you can use a mop and bucket to remove standing water from the floor.

5. Use a Space Heater 

When the floor has been adequately mopped, the floor will still take time to dry. Depending on the time of year, you obviously can’t leave the outside doors open forever, so use a space heater to speed up the drying-out process.

Be sure to look for any areas that water may have seeped into and dry with a towel in order to prevent potential musty smells or rot.

What to Do About Burst Pipes in Your Home

You don’t have to be a plumbing expert to keep you home from flooding when a pipe freezes. The key is to follow these simple steps when you have burst pipes.

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