Need A Plumber? What To Do When The Pipes Burst | Conway, SC

Need A Plumber? What To Do When The Pipes Burst | Conway, SC

Photo By the-lightwriter at istock

Have you been getting higher water bills? There might be a leak or a burst pipe somewhere in your home. Remember that leaks can severely damage the foundation of your home and often lead to expensive repairs and replacements. Call a plumber in Conway, SC, right away, so they can help you resolve the problem.

Signs You May Have Burst Pipes

The first sign is the skyrocketing water bills. Check out for these other signs as well.

Low Water Pressure

One sign of a burst pipe is a change in the water pressure. If you’ve noticed a significant decrease in the water pressure, it’s best to call a plumber in Conway, SC, so they can help you alleviate the problem.

Check for Water Marks

Some leaks are just hard to find, but you can check for water marks in the ceiling or on the walls. That’s a sign that there is a leaking pipe near the area. If the leak is difficult to locate, consider calling a plumber for assistance. Professionals have the tools and equipment they need to help homeowners locate burst pipes.

Noisy Tap

There are a variety of reasons why your tap is making loud and annoying noises. It could be due to high water pressure, mineral deposits in the aerator, buildup of sale, or faulty tap. Try to listen if there are dripping sounds, especially at night. That’s a sure indication that there is a leak somewhere in your home. Call a plumber right away for assistance.

What to Do When the Pipe Bursts

When you know that your pipes burst, do these things to prevent further water damage in your home, then call a professional so they can help you remedy the problem ASAP.

Turn Off the Water Supply

The first thing you need to do when the pipes burst is to turn off the main water supply completely. You need to turn off the source of the water to prevent further water damage in your home. Keep in mind that water damage may not be covered in your homeowner’s insurance, so that means you will have to pay not just for plumbing repairs but also for home repairs.

Turn Off the Electricity

Depending on the location of the burst pipes, water may be in contact with your electrical devices or outlets. To prevent accidents, ensure that you have also turned off the main electricity. Do this step immediately, especially when you have children at home, as it can be dangerous.

Drain the Pipes

After turning off the main water source, drain the pipes by flushing your toilet or running the faucet dry. This step also prevents further water damage in your home. Do this while waiting for the plumber to arrive.

Find the Burst Pipe

Some leaks may be obvious, while others will take time to locate. Look for bulging ceilings or signs of water on the walls. If possible, call a plumber to help you detect the leak in your home.

There are leaks that homeowners won’t be able to locate on their own. A licensed professional has tools that they can use for locating leaks.

Check for the Damages

As soon as you turned off the main water source and located the burst pipe, assess the damage before calling a professional. Small cracks can be repaired while major leaks may need complete pipe replacement. For installation, make sure that you only work with a licensed professional.

If you have insurance for water damage, make sure that you document it. Take photos as proof for the insurance company.

Clean Up

It’s important that you properly take care of the water damage to avoid foundation issues. You may be able to do the clean-up on your own if it’s just a minor issue. For major leaks, consider hiring professional service to prevent mold growth.

How Do You Prevent Burst Pipes?

During winter, you must insulate your pipes, so they don’t freeze and then burst. Below are some of the things you can do to prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting. Call a plumber if you need more assistance.

Keep the Heat On

Apart from insulating your pipes, ensure that your home is set to no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit, so the water doesn’t freeze. Do this, especially when you’ll be away from home.

Consider Slightly Opening a Faucet

If you’re afraid that the water may freeze, consider keeping one faucet on to relieve the pressure in your plumbing system. It’s going to prevent pressure build-up that may cause your pipes to burst.

Seal Holes and Cracks

They won’t only skyrocket your bills, but they can contribute to freezing water in the pipes. Seal the holes both on the exterior and interior side of the wall to prevent cold air inside.

Install a Leak Detection Device

Water damage is a costly plumbing emergency. Apart from the costly repairs or replacements, you may have to spend more money on home repairs. You can avoid water damage in your home by installing a leak detection system in your home.

You can place leak detection devices near your washing machine, dishwasher, water heater or under the sink. When it detects water, it can alert you on your mobile phone. Some leak detection devices would also automatically turn off the main water supply to prevent further damage to your home.

Contact a plumber in your area if you want to know more about leak detection systems that you can install in your home.

Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach

Do you need a plumber in Conway, SC, to help with your burst pipe? Don’t hesitate to give us a call. We are always ready to assist homeowners with plumbing repairs, maintenance, or installations. Get in touch with us today for an appointment.

Contact

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.