One of the most stressful things that can happen in your home is a burst pipe. It usually happens unexpectedly and causes serious water damage in just a few minutes. When it happens in the middle of the night, it can feel even more overwhelming. You can be tired, and suddenly you hear that unmistakable sound of water spraying or dripping from somewhere. However, the first and most important thing to do here is to remain calm and take immediate action.
If you find yourself dealing with a burst pipe and an emergency in the middle of the night, here are a few steps that you should take right away.
Turn off the main water supply
The first step is to stop more water from entering the damaged pipe. There is typically a stop tap in most homes, usually under the kitchen sink, by the front door, or in a utility cupboard. Turn it clockwise until the water stops. If the burst is extensive, you may see the water pressure drop quickly.
If you do not know where your stop tap is located, now is a good time to find it! Knowing where the stop tap is located can help you avoid extensive damage.
Switch off the electricity if water is near the sockets or wiring
Water and electricity do not mix well. If you see water pooled around electrical sockets, light fittings, or appliances, turn off the power supply from the fuse board. If something electrical is wet, do not touch anything. If you turned the power off, you have made the home safe until help comes.
Drain the leftover water
When the water supply is off, go ahead and turn on all the fixtures in your house. Doing this will allow any residual water in the system to drain out and relieve pressure to regulate your leak. Don’t forget to flush your toilets, too, as these will also hold water that can be released to relieve pressure.
Read More: How Often Should You Power Flush?
Move belongings away from the affected area
Water can easily damage furniture, carpets, electronics, and other possessions. Move any items that may damage a dry area. If the leak is above the floor you want to protect, put buckets or towels on the floor under the affected area. This will help you control the flow of water and make the mess easier to clean up.
Try to locate the burst pipe
There is no requirement to fix the pipe on your own, but knowing where the water is coming from is useful for logistics when asking for help. The break could be obvious, or you may even hear the sound of water in a wall or a ceiling. Please do not open walls or ceilings. Just make a note of where the water is coming from, and be sure to keep that area clear.
Call a Reliable Emergency Plumber
Once the situation is under control, you require assistance from a professional. Burst pipes should always be fixed by a qualified professional. If you are local to the area, you can simply call a 24 hour plumber in Milton Keynes, and someone should be able to get to you quickly, even early in the morning. A trained plumber will be on site to assess the damage, turn off any additional leaks, and you will be able to complete the repair properly.
Many homeowners will choose to save the number of the best plumbers in Milton Keynes on their phone for these occasions. When a pipe bursts at night, you very rarely have time to find someone reputable. Having a contact you trust already gets you halfway there.
Start drying the affected area
While you wait for the plumber to arrive, use towels to absorb as much water as you can. Open the windows to allow airflow. If you are using fans or a dehumidifier, turn them on to help the drying process. This will limit mould growth and reduce damage to the structure of your home.
Stay calm and stay safe
A pipe bursting at night may seem catastrophic, but it can be handled easily to avoid significant damage. The easy steps to take are to shut off your water, protect your home as best as you can, and call your trusted plumber. If you have the right support and maintain your composure, you can mitigate damage until you can resolve the problem.
If you ever find yourself dealing with this sort of emergency, keep in mind that help from a professional is always available. A reliable 24 hour plumber in Milton Keynes could fix the damage so that your home stays dry and secure.