Key takeaways:
- Call an emergency plumber right away if there is a burst pipe in your home.
- While you wait for the plumber, shut off water to your home and turn off breakers for the areas affected by the leak (if it’s safe to do so).
- Cleaning up the leak early can also limit water damage.
Burst pipes can happen during cold snaps in Middle Tennessee. Water freezes and expands, causing old pipes to break and leak.
Depending on where it’s located (and how much it’s leaking), a burst pipe can range from a small inconvenience to a major emergency.
If you’re dealing with the latter, there are a few steps you can take while you’re waiting for an emergency plumber to take care of your burst pipe repair in Middle Tennessee.
Step 1: Is It Safe to Go Near the Leak?
In the following steps, we discuss how to access your water shut-off valve or your main electrical panel.
You should only do so if it’s safe. Here are examples of situations where you shouldn’t attempt to shut off your water or electricity:
- A water leak near your main panel creates a high risk of electrocution. Wait for an emergency repairman before touching your panel.
- If the burst pipe is near your water shut-off valve and there is a risk of contact with electricity in that area, don’t go anywhere near the water.
- Sewage pipes can burst, too. They can release toxic gases and sludge, so evacuate your home without attempting to shut off water or electricity.
If none of these apply to your situation, read on for some steps you can take to minimize the damage.
Step 2: Shut the Water Off
First things first: Locate the main shut-off valve (usually next to your water meter) and turn it off. In Middle Tennessee, you’ll typically find your meter and shut-off valve in your home’s basement or outdoors.
This will stop the flow of water coming into your home and immediately limit the water damage from the burst pipe.
Step 3: Turn the Electricity Off
Is the burst pipe next to an outlet or electrical component? Water and electricity should never mix.
Just to be safe, head to your main electrical panel and locate the breaker controlling electricity to the area of your home affected by the leak. Turn the breaker off to avoid electrocution.
Step 4: Drain Remaining Water From the Pipes
A burst pipe indicates a pressure issue in your plumbing system. Once the main shut-off valve is off, drain any remaining water from your system to reduce the pressure.
Doing so will minimize the leak and prevent other pipes from bursting. You can drain water by:
- Flushing the toilet.
- Letting faucets run.
- Turn off your water heater.
Step 5: Limit Water Damage
Winters in Middle Tennessee can be damp, and damage from standing water can spread quickly.
Use buckets to catch as much of the water as possible if the damaged pipe is still dripping. You can also limit water damage by absorbing as much of the leak as possible with towels and other disposable items. Move furniture and other objects away from the leak to protect them.
If you have a wet/dry vac or can borrow one in a pinch, use it to suck up as much of the water as possible. Fans and dehumidifiers can help dry the area and prevent mold growth if you act fast.
Step 6: Document the Leak and Water Damage
Unless the burst pipe is due to a failure to maintain your plumbing, your homeowner’s insurance should cover the damage.
Take pictures of the burst pipe, the standing water, and any items damaged by the leak. You can reach out later and find out if you have a valid claim.
Should You Call an Emergency Plumber?
If you have a burst pipe, calling an emergency plumber from Middle Tennessee is your best option.
Keep in mind that you won’t be able to turn your water back on until the issue is fixed. This means no hot shower, limited cooking, and no laundry until the leak repair is done.
You should also have an emergency plumber look for other possible leaks in your system. There might be other damaged pipes causing unseen water damage in a crawlspace or behind a wall.
Paying the additional emergency fee to have a plumber stop by right away is worth it because you could be preventing thousands of dollars in water damage.
Airstream Is Here to Help You Deal With Burst Pipes This Winter
Don’t wait if you have a plumbing emergency. Airstream is here and ready to dispatch a technician right away.
We can handle burst pipes and other plumbing emergencies. We’ll help limit the damage and provide fast and reliable repair services.
Give us a call at 615-413-8461 if you need emergency or after-hours plumbing.
FAQ
What should I do if a pipe bursts at night?
Shut off your main water valve right away, then call an emergency plumber in Middle Tennessee for immediate help.
How do I find and shut off my home’s main water supply?
Most Tennessee homes have a shut-off valve near the water meter, in the basement, or on an exterior wall. Turn it clockwise to stop the flow.
Can frozen pipes burst in Tennessee winters?
Yes, frozen pipes often burst when water expands inside old or uninsulated plumbing.
What are the first steps during a water leak emergency?
Turn off your water and switch off power to affected areas (if safe), and mop or vacuum up standing water to limit damage.
