A burst water main can turn your day – and even your entire week – upside down.While it might seem like a rare disaster, burst pipes are more common than many homeowners in Los Angeles, CA, realize.Whether it’s due to old pipes, sudden temperature shifts, or the inevitable wear and tear of time, water main breaks can happen to anyone.
Knowing what to do in those first few minutes can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major catastrophe. First thing’s first: Call Express Plumbing & Rooter to have a uniformed plumber dispatched to your location as soon as possible. Next, take the following steps to minimize damage.
Time is of the essence when you discover a burst water main. Here are some actionable steps you can take in those first critical minutes before the plumber arrives:
1. Shut Off the Water Supply: Locate your main water shut-off valve and turn it off immediately.In most homes, this valve is located near your water meter.
2. Drain the Pipes: Shutting the main water valve stops new water from entering the home, but there’s still water left in the pipes. Starting with the ones near the burst, open faucets and flush toilets to clear any remaining water in the supply line.
3. Turn Off Electrical Appliances: Water and electricity can make for a deadly combination, so turn off the power at the circuit breaker if you can do so safely. Also unplug any sensitive electronics or appliances in the vicinity of the leak.
4. Move Valuables: Water damage is costly. Move any valuable or irreplaceable items (such as electronics, important documents, and cherished keepsakes) to a safe and dry location.
5. Document the Damage: Take photos and videos of the affected areas. his documentation is going to be vital for when you file an insurance claim and demand fair compensation for your losses.
While you can’t always prevent a burst water main, there are measures you can take to minimize the risk. Regular maintenance and annual plumbing inspections are fundamental. A trained and experienced plumber can identify worn-out pipes or potential pressure issues before they become catastrophic.
Insulating exposed pipes can also help as it will reduce the risk of freezing. When water freezes, it expands and puts immense pressure on pipes. Consider insulation for pipes repair in Burbank, CA under cabinets, in basements, in crawl spaces, and so on.
You can’t just entrust your plumbing system to anyone, especially during an emergency like a burst water main. Fortunately, Express Plumbing & Rooter is not your run-of-the-mill company. With decades of industry experience, we’ve established a reputation for delivering solutions that are both durable and efficient.
When you choose Express Plumbing & Rooter for your plumbing service and repair, you can rest assured knowing you’ll be helped by uniformed and background-checked professionals. Our trustworthy plumbers have utmost respect for your time and space, and we’re always available if you need to give us a call or message.
Our premier service won’t break the bank either – but you don’t have to take our word for it. We proudly provide detailed price estimates upfront and before the work begins. This means you won’t be hit with unexpected costs after the fact.
A burst water main is not going to schedule an appointment, so why should you have to wait overnight or through the weekend for pipe repair? You don’t have to wait when you choose Express Plumbing & Rooter. It’s not just in our name; we are prepared to deliver quick and reliable plumbing repair at any time of the day.