We don’t need to worry too much about freezing pipes in Texas, but your plumbing pipe burst for other reasons. Age is one reason and tree roots can be another. The key to preventing as much damage as possible is to spring into action the second you realize a pipe has fractured. We here at Five Star Plumbing recommend you take the following steps first and then call us for help ASAP.
Cut the Main
Turn off the water main, which you will find in the basement, outside, or in the crawl space underneath your home or business most likely. If you do not know where the main is, go outside and find it after you’re done reading this blog and make a mental note of its location. Head over to the fuse box next and cut the electricity to prevent the danger of the leaking water mixing with electrical current.
Drain the Taps
Open up all the cold-water faucets throughout your home or business and flush the toilets several times. Your goal is to release all the water standing in the plumbing to prevent it from flowing through the broken pipes. Turn off your water heating system next and open up all of the hot-water faucets. Once the water stops flowing, you can shut off all the faucets and stop flushing the toilets.
Air the Place Out
If the plumbing pipe burst inside your home or place of business, open up the doors and windows to air everything out. If it’s cold outside, turn up the furnace to warm the indoor air. You want to encourage the damp ceiling, flooring, and walls to dry out before they begin to mold. Once it’s determined that it’s safe to turn the electricity back on, you can use fans to facilitate this process, as well.
Document the Damage
Take pictures and videos of all visible damage and document exactly when you became aware of the burst pipe and the steps you took to prevent further damage. Once we have arrived, you can also take before and after photos and videos for your homeowner’s insurance claim. Make sure to include in your notes all personal possessions that have been damaged and hand onto them as evidence.
Finally, contact Five Star Plumbing so we can dispatch a plumber to your home or business right away. We are located in San Antonio, TX, and we offer 24/7 emergency services.
