How Plumbing Contractors Fix A Burst Pipe In Your House

If you’re a homeowner, you probably know a thing or two about plumbing problems. Most property owners encounter common challenges like clogged drains, toilets that constantly run, odd noise coming from basement pipe systems, and much more.

It’s possible to fix many minor plumbing problems yourself, including things like slow-draining bathtubs and sinks, but a burst pipe needs professional attention from a licensed plumber.

Burst Pipes are Serious Problems

But what about a more serious event like a burst pipe? Unlike most of the more common plumbing problems, burst pipes can quickly turn into major expenses, create a huge mess, and end up making you wish you had attended to the situation when you first noticed it.

How do professional plumbers fix burst pipes in residential homes? Here’s a quick look at what a licensed contractor might do when they arrive on the scene in response to a “burst pipe” call from a homeowner:

• Cut the Electricity: One of the first things a plumber does is turn off the electricity in the area where the burst pipe is likely located. This is a general safety measure and is why many plumbers use lighted battery-powered headgear.
• Locate the Leak: Experienced contractors know where to look for typical bursts. This essential second step is where the real “plumbing” work begins because the contractor often has to get down into the home’s flooring or walls to identify the precise location of the leak.
• Shut Off the Water: Once the burst location is found, the plumber knows whether the entire home’s water supply or just a portion of it needs to be cut off. Regardless, the third major step of fixing a burst pipe involves shutting off the water supply to the damaged area.
• Do Necessary Repair Work: The fourth and final step pertains to the burst pipes themselves. An experienced contractor knows immediately whether the job will be a minor “fix it” situation or calls for replacing entire sections of pipe. Even the most talented DIY enthusiast should not attempt to replace broken pipes. This is what licensed plumbers do every day and why you should call them. 

Like most plumbing problems, you can save a lot by taking care of a burst pipe as soon as possible. Typical expenses to repair a burst pipe can be surprisingly low if you catch the situation early. Waiting can be a costly move, especially if your home is older and is already in need of other plumbing work.

How Do You Know When a Pipe Has Burst?

It’s easy enough to understand that burst pipes are a top priority. But, how can non-professionals know whether their home is suffering from such a dilemma? Plumbers say that there are several common signs of a burst pipe in your home. Be aware that not all of them are obvious, so it’s essential to pay attention to any plumbing-related issues that come up.

When a pipe bursts, you’ll usually notice one or more of the following “symptoms.”

• Noises: Do you ever hear banging, clanking, or squealing noises coming from your home’s pipes? Anything but silence can mean there’s a problem afoot, and you should make a note of where the sounds are coming from and how often you hear them. Have a plumber check them out during an inspection.
• Smell: If your household water smells strange, “rotten,” or downright awful, the likely culprit is plumbing-related.
• Discoloration:  In addition to odors, make a note of what your water looks like. Is it discolored in any way? If so, you’ve probably got a plumbing problem on your hands. Be careful never to drink, cook with, or bathe in discolored or smelly water.
• Low Pressure: A more subtle but still grave issue is low water pressure. A broken pipe often leads to a general reduction of household pressure.
• Stains: Do you have water stains on your walls, ceilings, or floors? Unless it’s the result of a spill or a roof leak you already know about, there’s a high probability that the staining is plumbing-related. Call a professional asap.

Get Professional Help

It’s important to contact a plumbing contractor Chantilly residents know and trust when your home suffers a burst pipe. Don’t wait. Even a short delay can turn a small, inexpensive repair job into a major expense and a huge headache.

Be attentive to the general health of your home’s plumbing system. If you notice any of the telltale signs noted above, call a plumber for a thorough inspection. When it comes to plumbing, being proactive is the key to keeping your home’s pipes in tip-top shape.