Pipes break for a variety of reasons. Cold temperatures can freeze a pipe, causing it to burst as it thaws. Age can allow pipes to become brittle or corrode. Constant use can cause wear and tear, allowing leaks to form in any pipe in your home.
The source can be difficult to find. While some of it may appear to be in plain sight, additional problems may exist behind walls or ceilings.
Water, no matter how small the leak, is always a problem. Even a slow leak can cause extensive damage over time. Yet small leaks are usually something you have time to deal with. You can schedule a maintenance call without worrying about extensive additional damage.
Not so with a sudden burst. When a pipe breaks and releases large amounts of water, problems escalate in seconds. You have minutes to act before serious damage sets in.
There are a few things you can do immediately to help stop the water flow and minimize the damage to the surrounding area.
Do you know where your main water valve is? If you can turn it off, do it. This will keep the water from spreading throughout your home.
If you know where the problem originates, place a bucket or container underneath to collect the water. This will keep the water from spreading, causing more damage. Empty the container as needed.
Dry the pipe and see if you can seal it to prevent additional problems. Duct or electrical tape can seal off the hole and contain the problem.
Call for emergency plumbing services.
Emergency Plumbing Services in Atlanta
Extensive damage may or may not be covered by homeowner’s insurance. Extensive damage may require drying time, disinfecting and deodorizing to remove any odors or biological growth. And depending on the extent of the problem, it may also require structural repair.