A sudden flood of water from a burst pipe is one of the most stressful and damaging plumbing emergencies a homeowner can face. The cold snap of winter is often a trigger, but a pipe can burst at any time due to corrosion, high water pressure, or physical damage. When it happens, your immediate actions can significantly reduce the amount of water damage and help ensure your safety. As your trusted home improvement and plumbing experts in Birmingham, Aquila Property Care has put together this essential guide on what to do if a pipe bursts in your home.
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply Immediately
This is the most critical first step. Every second that water continues to flow, the damage to your home is getting worse. You need to stop the water at its source.
- Locate Your Main Stopcock: This is the main valve that controls the water supply to your entire home. It’s usually located under the kitchen sink, in a downstairs loo, a utility room, or under the floorboards near the front door.
- Turn the Stopcock Off: Turn the stopcock handle clockwise to shut off the water. If it’s stiff, be careful not to use too much force as it can break. For an outside stopcock, you may need a stopcock key.
- Locate the Outside Stopcock (if needed): If you can’t find or operate the inside stopcock, you’ll need to find the one on your property boundary, often in a small box under a cover on the pavement.
Step 2: Turn Off Your Electricity
Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. To protect yourself and prevent any electrical fires, you need to cut the power to your home. Go to your fuse box or consumer unit and turn off the main switch. Here’s What to Do If a Pipe Bursts near an electrical outlet or appliance, do not touch anything in the vicinity and be extremely cautious.
Step 3: Drain the System
Once the water is off, you need to drain any remaining water from your pipes. This will relieve the pressure and prevent more water from leaking out. Open all the cold water taps in your house, starting with the lowest point (like a downstairs tap) and working your way up. Then, flush your toilets to empty their cisterns.
Step 4: Mitigate the Damage
Now that the immediate danger is under control, you need to focus on reducing the damage.
- Move Valuables: Quickly move furniture, electronics, and personal belongings away from the affected area.
- Collect the Water: Use buckets and towels to collect and soak up as much of the water as you can.
- Ventilate the Area: Open windows and doors to increase air circulation and help with drying. If it’s safe to do so, you can use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner to remove large amounts of water.
Step 5: Call a Professional Plumber
While you may feel a sense of relief after performing these steps, the job is not done. You need a professional plumber to safely and effectively repair the burst pipe. Our team at Aquila Property Care provides 24/7 emergency services to homeowners across Birmingham, so we can be with you quickly to assess the damage, repair the pipe, and advise on the next steps. We have the right tools and expertise to handle all types of pipe repairs, from simple burst pipes to more complex main water line issues. This is a critical final step in what to do if a pipe bursts.
Dealing with a burst pipe is never easy, but by following these steps, you can minimise the damage and get your home back to normal as quickly as possible. When you have a plumbing emergency, the best course of action is always to call a professional. You can trust Aquila Property Care for all your home improvement and plumbing needs.
