What Not To Do When a Pipe Breaks in Your Home

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

Flooded home in Mariemount, OH.

What To Do And Not Do When A Pipe Breaks In Your Home

If you have a broken pipe and it releases water into your Mariemount, OH, home, it is important to know what to do and what not to do. Some leaks may spread contaminated water in home areas, so safety is key, as is clean up afterward.

What To Avoid When a Pipe Breaks
First, always consider your safety. If you have concerns, contact a professional. Before a technician arrives, do not do any of the following:

• Never use electrical appliances if the floor is wet
  
• Never clean up sewage water yourself
  
• Never lift carpeting if it is tacked to the floor
  
• Never enter a room where there is structural or electrical damage
  
• Never use a regular vacuum cleaner to remove water
  
  

Water damage and flooding can cause severe problems for your home, so there are also actions that you should take to start to repair your property.

What To Do After a Pipe Breaks
The first step to take if you have a broken pipe is to stop the water from flowing. Turn off the water to the leaking pipe, such as by looking for the shut-off valve under a sink or by an appliance.
If you are not certain about the whereabouts of the leak’s origin, you can turn off the main water line for the house. This valve is usually somewhere on the perimeter of your home, often near the water meter. It is essential to know how to find your shutoff, so take the time to learn its location.
Next, ensure that you drain all the water from the pipes. Once completed, identify the location where the pipe burst. A plumber can repair or replace the broken pipe, while water damage restoration professionals can clean up any mess before it causes further damage.
Dealing with flooding in the home can be an ordeal. By knowing what to do during and after a pipe breaks, you can minimize the stress and damage.