Winters in New Jersey can go either way when it comes to weather and often swing from unseasonably warm to incredibly cold, just like what we see happening this year. After the temperature drops, some people will wake up and stumble into a puddle of water as they go to make their morning coffee. Did the pipes freeze and burst? Here’s what do do if you have a broken pipe, what causes them, signs to look for if you think your pipes are broken.
Nothing lasts forever and things that we use sometime break. It can be annoying when this happens, especially when it can lead to water damage and costly repairs far beyond what a plumber may charge you to fix it. It’s important to act fast to minimize damage.
What should you do if your frozen pipes burst?
Finding a burst pipe is horrible, but the sooner you find it, the sooner you can stop it and you’ll wind up with least amount of mess. You should be aware of what to do if a pipe bursts in your home so that you can limit any more harm that it can create. Here is a step-by-step explanation of what to do.
First, stop the water supply.
When you cut off the water to a burst pipe, water will no longer flow to it, preventing the broken pipe from doing further harm. You need to shut off the water supply to any pipes that might rupture as soon as you find them. There are a few methods you can stop the flow of water, depending on where the pipe is.
If the pipe immediately leads to a sink, toilet, or water heater, for example, there is probably a valve nearby that regulates water flow to the device. The valve will likely be along the wall and be located close to the fixture. Simply shutting off this valve will stop any more water from entering the fixture or passing through the broken pipe.
Typically, feature-specific valves are simple to close. There may be a lever or handle that needs to be moved, but no additional tools are usually needed. In the worst situation, the valve might be rigid, in which case you would require pliers for more leverage.
You will need to cut off the water at your home’s main shutoff if the pipe isn’t close to a fixture or you can’t find a feature-specific shut-off valve. Although it may not be ideal, doing this will stop any water from entering your home. This is preferable to having a burst pipe flood a portion of your property.
The main shutoff for your house could be found in a utility room, along an outside wall, or in the basement. Some shutdown valves can be turned by hand, but others become difficult to turn and demand more force to close. You should locate and test the valve in advance of an emergency like a burst pipe because the location and difficulty of closing it vary.
Step 2: Clean up any standing water
Soaking up any water that has accumulated around or under the pipe after it has stopped leaking water is the next step. Soak up as much of this water as you can to prevent it from damaging your items or seeping into a wall or floor.
Since water seeps into flooring quickly, you should take this action as soon as you can. If the floor is saturated, water can seep through laminate flooring in four hours, and other types of flooring, especially carpeting, area rugs and even hard wood floors, are much more vulnerable.
Use whatever is available to you to remove the water because this stage requires quick action. Paper towels, bath towels, washcloths, and even a mop can come in handy.
Step 3: Make a plumbing call and get a water damage repair expert as Quickly as possible
After you have eliminated the immediate threat of additional harm, you can then call a plumber and a water damage repair service. Make contact and arrange a visit as soon as possible. They can advise you based on your situation if immediate attention is needed or if your appointment can wait until regular business hours. Since mold can start to grow in even damp carpet and building materials within 24 hours, immediate attention is required. Water damage repair companies come in with industrial equipment to thoroughly dry your property quickly and protect your home from problems with mold.
GM Carpet Care provides 24/7 service so call right away. If your home or place of business has flooded, your carpet and floors have probably suffered damage. Flooding needs to be handled right away to prevent long-term damage. GM Carpet Care can offer a quick response for emergency water removal, flood damage clean up, water extraction, sewage clean up, and crucial structural drying whether you’ve experienced a burst pipe, backed-up sewage, or rain water damage.
Remember that until a plumber replaces the pipe for you, you won’t be able to use the fixtures that the burst pipe services.
Prior to calling a plumber or water damage restoration service, you should take care of the immediate threat of water, but you shouldn’t put off calling in the experts. Your neighbors and many other nearby houses are probably also dealing with burst pipes and flooding, which means that these professionals can be in high demand. Call immediately and get help right away.
Call 732-929-9669 or Contact us For 24/7 Help If You Have A Broken Pipe And Need A Water Damage Repair Expert
In Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic And Cape May County, New Jersey
What Causes a Pipe to Break?
There is still plenty of potential for freezing temperatures in New Jersey, which can result in bursting pipes. These winter months are the time when homes and businesses along the Jersey Shore are most vulnerable. Missing the warning signs that a pipe is damaged is the absolute last thing you want to do. Nevertheless, a broken pipe can have other causes besides the weather.
Broken, leaky pipes are more than just a plumbing issue because water and flooding can lead to extensive property damage. The best way to fix the problem will be determined by an experienced local plumber who can diagnose and fix the source of the water, but cleanup and damage restoration should be addressed just a quickly. Here are a few concerns involving broken pipes that you may need help with
Freezing
Cold weather is nothing new to those of us who live in New Jersey. Water problems surface quickly when temperatures drop. Water in pipes may freeze at freezing conditions, and as it does, water molecules expand. The remaining water pushes toward the faucet to create pressure as the ice begins to develop. A ruptured pipe is the eventual result.
Obstructed Pipes
Mineral buildup in pipes over time can result in blocked or clogged pipes. Pressure inside a clogged pipe will rise, eventually causing the pipe to burst. An obstruction in the pipe may also be brought on by nearby construction work that may have allowed sand to get into the pipes. Regular maintenance can help to stop this from happening.
Older pipes
Although pipes are sturdy and meant to last a long time, they eventually corrode and degrade. Low pH speeds up corrosion, which is a problem if your house is older. Low pH indicates that the water is more acidic and will gradually dissolve any thing it comes in contact with.
Because the galvanized covering erodes over time, galvanized pipes are prone to corrosion. As a result, the iron in the pipe is exposed to water, which causes rust. As the pipe ages, its diameter will shrink and it will eventually burst.
Roots in Pipes
It doesn’t happen often, but mature trees next to water or sewer lines might obstruct the pipes, causing them to burst. Because the pipes contain water, nutrients, and oxygen, the roots gravitate toward them. The roots only require a little opening in the pipe, such as a crack or leak, to slowly work their way inside and cause significant damage.
Signs Of A Broken Pipe
What are the symptoms of a broken pipe now that we’ve discussed the causes?
High Water Charges
If nothing has changed in your home and your monthly water bill has gone up, it’s probable that you have a busted pipe. You should seek professional advice because it can also be a running toilet or a pipe that is gradually dripping.
Unwelcome Odor
If you start to smell something unpleasant coming from any drain in your house, it may be sewage and filthy water that isn’t being properly conveyed because of a clog, leak, or break.
Accumulation of Water
Any standing water near your main water line, in your basement, or under a sink is a sign of a bigger problem. Call in the experts to solve the issue as soon as possible.
Ceiling or Drywall Water Damage
Any visible water damage or wet rings on the ceiling should be repaired right away. Water damage has the potential to indicate a damaged pipe, but it can also cause your drywall or ceiling to fall apart. If there is insulation behind the drywall or ceiling, that’s likely wet too. The organic material in sheetrock and paper is a perfect food source for mold, which loves to grow in damp and dark places.
inadequate water pressure
When washing your hands or doing laundry, low water pressure is a warning sign that there is a problem and should be immediately addressed by a professional.
Poor Water Quality
If the water coming from the faucets is suddenly brown, murky, or smells bad, corrosion is present and the pipes may need to be replaced as a preventative precaution. A qualified plumber can advise you on the appropriate plumbing material for your house.
Call GM Carpet Care If You Have A Burst Pipe
You should never attempt to repair a damaged pipe on your own. Call an experienced professional who has the tools and expertise to correctly remedy the issue if any of these warning signals are present in your house.
You either heed the warnings of all of these signs or you’ll be walking through puddles. Call us for help and we’ll leave your residential or business property in better condition than when we found it thanks to our quality guarantee.
In Monmouth County, Ocean County, Atlantic County and Cape May County, New Jersey, GM Carpet Care offers superb water damage repair services. You can relax knowing that we will restore your home.