Whether you’re renting or you’re the homeowner, it’s important to get clued in on your plumbing system. Burst water pipes are one of the most common plumbing problems and can be caused by a range of reasons. The effects of a burst water pipe can be devastating and can severely damage your property and possessions, so here are a few things worth knowing when dealing with a burst water pipe.

Stop the water and switch off the mains

The first thing to do when dealing with a burst water pipe is to turn off the main water valve in your home. This will stop the flow of water and will allow you to start assessing the damage. The valve will likely be located in your basement if you own a house or townhouse, or behind an access panel if you live in a condo or apartment. Then, switch off the electrics especially if the pipe has burst near your electrics main or appliances. If the switch is wet, leave it alone (Do Not Touch It!) and call an emergency electrician, as there’ll be a high risk of electrocution.

Make the important calls

Once the water has been switched off, call Mr. Plumber Vancouver to come out and assess the damage and establish the cause of the problem. Whether the pipe has burst due to age, damage, fault or cold weather, it’s important that you get to the root of the issue. If the damage is excessive and you have an insurance policy, call your provider to report the damage.

Start the clean-up

It’s important to start the clean-up mission fairly quickly so you can salvage as many items as possible. If the pipe burst in your basement and the water comes higher than the plug sockets, do not enter or touch the water as you risk electrocution. If the water is only a few inches deep, move any valuables to higher ground, unplug any appliances (after the electricity has been switched off) and try to protect your furniture. Catch any excess dripping water in buckets, but if the ceiling is bulging be careful because it may easily fall through.

Fix the problem

After you’ve saved your important items and established the cause, the next step in dealing with a burst water pipe is fixing the problem. Don’t attempt to fix the issue yourself – call in a registered plumber to fix the pipes and ensure that this doesn’t happen again!

If you need a plumber in Vancouver, give Mr. Plumber Vancouver a call today and we’ll make sure your plumbing issues get fixed as soon as possible!