7 Key Steps to Take When a Water Pipe Breaks at Your House

When a water pipe breaks, your home risks significant damage. Depending on the extent of the break, you may need to take quick action to prevent any additional damage. Water pipe breaks are common during the winter and often signal issues that need repairing or replacing soon.
1. Assess the Damage Immediately
Look for standing water, water puddling on the ground, or water flowing through the floorboards. If you find water in one of these areas, it’s likely from a broken pipe. Once you’ve located the water source, you can assess the damage’s extent.
2. Call for Help
If you don’t know how to handle the situation, it’s best to call in a professional. Do not attempt to fix a water pipe break on your own. Take the necessary steps to call for professional help.
Ask for a free estimate before agreeing to any major repairs or replacements. Once you’ve identified the issue, you can decide what to do next.
3. Turn Off the Water Supply
Once you’ve located the water pipe, turn off the water supply immediately by pulling off any exposed pipes or shut-off valves in your home. If pipes are near the damaged pipe, use a wrench to close off any valves so the water can’t flow on its own.
4. Isolate the Water Before Repair
To isolate the water line, seal off all spaces that allow water to enter your home. It could include floors in your living room, walls, and ceilings. Use a pipe sealant to lock everything in place, particularly around pipes and plumbing fixtures.
5. Identify the Source of the Leak
Before you can fix the pipe, you’ll need to identify the source of the leak. It will let you know where damage has occurred and how much work is needed to fix it. By using moisture detection equipment, you can easily find the source of the leak and learn how to fix it best.
6. Replace Damaged Areas Immediately
Once you know the source of the leak, you’ll be able to replace damaged areas quickly. Using pipe sealant and repair kits, you can patch up any areas where water tends to collect and seal off leaks in your walls and floors. Use the right tools for your pipe repairs to ensure a safe and efficient job.
7. Check for Other Damaged Areas or Issues in Your Home
Water pipe leaks often signal other issues with plumbing in your home. Over time, your pipes can become clogged or may be built with too much pressure. Over time, this pressure can cause pipes to burst or crack.
While repairing the water pipe leak, inspect for any other damage in your home. If you find additional issues and cracks, schedule repairs immediately.
Water pipe leaks are common issues in homes since pipes are often exposed and unprotected. If you see water or wet areas in your home, assess the damaged source and search for leaks. You can repair the leak directly by isolating the water source and sealing any other damage. Taking prompt and effective action will help maintain the integrity of your home’s plumbing system and prevent future leaks.