What to Do When The Water Bursts

Major plumbing emergencies are a surprise and can cause a panic if you’re unsure of what to do. Burst hot water or water systems are a common problem and are easy for a qualified plumber to fix. If one isn’t immediately available, there are some steps you can take to hold down the fort while you wait.

Shut the water off

When the leak is coming from a major pipe that supplies water to the house, it’s best to shut off the water main. When the leak is coming from a fixture like a sink, tap or toilet, you can shut off the supply to that outlet on the pipe that connects it.

Shutting the water off will stop the leaks in their tracks and save water that would otherwise get wasted. That means less of a shock for you when the water bill arrives.

Shut the electricity and heating off

In that order. Electricity and water is a fatal combination. Hot water in fixtures and pipes is scalding and causes major injuries. Unless you have some training, leave the examining and fixing to a qualified plumber.

Get a bucket and/or a broom

Cleaning up the mess now will save you from doing it later. It will also keep your mind busy so that you’re not stewing over the leak. A clean space means a clear mind, after all. Water leaks are a major safety hazard and you don’t want any injuries on top of a burst pipe; that just adds more trouble to the situation.

Burst pipes are problematic and in a panic you might injure yourself. Following the above steps will at least stem the flow of water and give you back some control over the situation when the water pipe bursts. Keep calm, shut the water off and don’t touch any wires!

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