How To Deal With Burst Pipes

It is everyone’s worst nightmare: a pipe bursts and water is dripping from the ceiling and down the walls. What should you do first when discovering burst pipes before calling in a professional?

How To Deal With Burst Pipes – Switch off the Supply of Water

Turn off your water immediately. You do this by turning your stop cock as far as it will go clockwise. The stop cock is usually located under the sink, but occasionally it is in the under stairs cupboard. Once it is switched off, drain your system to empty the water pipes. You do this by opening all of the cold taps and flushing all the toilets in the house. Then switch off your boiler and do the same again with the hot taps.

How To Deal With Burst Pipes – Electrical Safety

If the water is running near a socket, light fitting or other electrics, you must turn your mains power off. Do not touch any wet electrics – if you cannot switch off the mains because the switch is wet, wait for the plumber.

How To Deal With Burst Pipes – Call a Plumber

Now it is time to phone a plumber, and once one is on the way, you can take several steps to protect your property.

If you can gain access to the burst pipe, wrap an old tea towel around it and put a large container such as a washing up bowl underneath. If a ceiling is bulging with water, you could poke a small hole with a screwdriver to let it drain, so it does not collapse – but make sure to consult with your plumber before taking it upon yourself to do this. Clear any excess water away by soaking it up with towels, and if you can lift carpets, it will prevent them from getting waterlogged.

Taking these simple steps will help to minimise the damage that burst pipes cause in your home. For more information call L&W Heating and Plumbing services today on one of our local numbers below:-

Plumbers Wigan 01942 417220
Plumbers St Helens 01744 776140
Plumbers Warrington 01925 394260
Plumbers Newton Le Willows 01925 394260