How to Close Your Main Water Line Successfully During a Burst Pipe

How to Close Your Main Water Line Successfully During a Burst Pipe

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You should understand just how to turn off your main water line if you suffer from a burst pipe. Don't wait on a plumbing emergency before learning just how to get this done. Besides, aside from emergency leaks, you will require to switch off your major water shutoff for plumbing repair services or if you leave for a lengthy journey. Figure out even more about it in this miniature guide.

Must This Constantly Be Shut Off?

Apart from emergency situations, repair work, or long getaways, you might not require to shut off the main valve. For example, so one component has issues, you can shut off the branch valve in that place. By doing this, you can still use water in other parts of your home. For finest results, call a dependable plumber for emergencies.

Why Must You Shut the Main Line Off?

Acquainting yourself with just how your mainline turns on as well as off can conserve you throughout an emergency. For example, when a pipe suddenly bursts in your residence, you'll be besieged with panic. Hence, you can conveniently close the shutoff off and also prevent even more damages if you understand what to do. Additionally, shutting this off ensures you don't have to deal with an abrupt flood in your house.
On top of that, closing as well as opening up the valves from time to time guarantees they do not get stuck. It is likewise the most effective time for you to check for rust or various other damaged connections. In addition, make it a point to enlighten various other family members on what to do. This makes regular maintenance and also managing emergencies a lot simpler. You can potentially save yourself hundreds of dollars out of commission.

Where is This Main Shutoff Situated?

The major water line supply can differ, so you may need to find time to find out where it is. However, when your house is obtaining soaked due to a ruptured pipe, you do not have the deluxe of time throughout an emergency. Thus, you must prepare for this plumbing situation by finding out where the valve is located.
This shutoff valve could look like a ball valve (with a lever-type take care of) or a gate shutoff (with a circle spigot). Positioning depends upon the age of your residence as well as the environment in your location. Examine the complying with common areas:

Inside of House: In chillier environments, the city supply pipes run into your residence. Examine typical utility areas like your cellar, laundry room, or garage. A most likely location is near the hot water heater. In the basement, this valve will be at your eye degree. On the other primary floors, you might require to bend down to discover it.

Outdoors on the Exterior Wall surface: The primary valve is outside the home in tropical climates where they do not experience winter months. It is typically attached to an exterior wall surface. Check for it near an outdoor faucet.

Outdoors by the Road: If you can't find the shutoff anywhere else, it is time to examine your road. Maybe outdoors alongside your water meter. It could be below the access panel near the ground on your street. You might need a meter trick that's marketed in equipment shops to take off the panel cover. You can locate two shutoffs, one for city use and one for your house. Make certain you shut down the appropriate one. As well as you will certainly understand that you did when none of the taps in your house release freshwater.

Pipe Burst? Here's What to Do Next

There's nothing worse than that sinking feeling that sets in when you notice water dripping from your ceiling or — worse — gushing from a broken pipe. Many homeowners find themselves panicking as they start to tally up the water damage repair costs. Fortunately, a bit of forward planning can help you avert a total plumbing disaster.

What Happens When a Pipe Bursts?

There are several reasons that your pipes could burst, though one of the leading culprits is ice. When the temperature outside dips below freezing, the water in your pipes can freeze, too. When water freezes, it expands, putting significant pressure on your pipework.

When your pipes freeze for the first time, they may withstand the added pressure without any adverse effects. However, allowing your pipes to freeze repeatedly will gradually weaken them as they expand and contract, eventually causing them to burst or crack.

Corrosion

High water pressure

Blockages

Invading tree roots

How Do You Know If Your Pipes Have Burst?

When you mention broken pipes, most people imagine water gushing dramatically from the wall or ceiling. However, the first signs are often subtler. It's a good idea to look out for the less obvious symptoms of a major leak.

When a water pipe bursts, moisture starts seeping into your floors, ceilings and insulation, causing significant damage. Eventually, mold and mildew start to flourish, creating a potentially hazardous living environment. If you find yourself wading through puddles of water on the floor or can hear water bubbling inside the walls, you won't be left in any doubt as to whether you have a burst pipe.

Unexplained Hike in Water Bills

If your water bill suddenly shoots up for no apparent reason, it could be a sign of a burst water main. As water seeps out of the pipe, it sends your water usage sky high. Any unexpected increase in your water bills warrants further investigation.

Reduced Water Pressure

A broken water main or burst pipe means your system must work harder to maintain a supply to your faucets and other fixtures. Therefore, reduced or uneven water pressure could be a sign that you've got a leak. While there are a few potential causes of dodgy water pressure, it's important to find the reason quickly to prevent water damage.

No Flow

Reduced water pressure is inconvenient enough, but you may suddenly find that you have no water flow at all. One of the most likely reasons for a complete lack of running water is a frozen pipe. You should defrost your pipes as quickly as possible to stop them from bursting.

If you can access the frozen pipe, you could try defrosting it yourself. Turn on the central heating to around 70 degrees and use a gentle heat source like a hairdryer or infrared lamp to warm the pipe up gradually — never use a blowtorch or other open flame. If the pipe is inaccessible or your efforts aren’t fruitful, call a plumber to defrost the pipes for you.

Damp Patches in Your Home or Yard

As water flows out of a burst pipe, you may notice damp or discolored patches on your walls, floors or ceilings. If the leak happens under a tiled floor, it could make the tiles feel wobbly or unstable.

Don't forget to look for exterior signs of a burst pipe. Depending on the location, you may also see puddles, depressions or wobbly pavement in your yard.

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