Burst pipes on both residential and commercial properties can be a nightmare.

Often when a pipe bursts it will instantly begin damaging important infrastructure or building components around it. Even worse, it can get on electrical equipment and pose a safety hazard. Burst pipes are risky to attempt to fix on your own, that’s why should always use a certified local plumber. However in the time it takes for the plumber to get there, you risk accumulating many more damages than that one pipe. Know what steps to take in the event of a burst pipe plumbing emergency.
Cut off the water flow:
Buildings differ with both location and age so, depending on your building, you will need to find where the main stop valve to your water supply is located and shut it off. Larger commercial buildings may have separate valves controlling separate water lines, in which case you should only shut off the one with the burst pipe. Once the water has been cut off, you must also go toall hot and cold water faucets or spigots of any kind and turn them on so let out any remaining water. This will minimize further spilling and damages.
Mind the electrical hazard:
Immediately shut off all breakers or main switches if there are any electrical components, fixtures or wiring in danger of coming in contact with the water. Electrical shorts can damage electrical connections permanently, fry connected devices and even cause a shock hazard to people. Make sure you prioritize the electrical dangers or you could have further repairs, or a hospital bill to worry about.
Water heaters:
There aren’t many other plumbing related devices which store water but this step would apply to them as well. You’ll want to drain the water heater connected to the burst pipe as it stores its own supply oif water, so cutting off the water line does not necessarily mean no water will flow. In fact, if you don’t empty your water heater, then you may have ONLY hot water coming out of the pipe, offering anyone nearby a real scare, and potentially a burn risk. Water heaters have a drain somewhere on the main tank, so it should be quite easy just to let all the water out. DO NOT forget to turn off the water heater or you will probably break it.
Take these steps to both maximize safety and minimize damages. Cal your preferred local plumber and the crisis will all be over soon. If you have a burst pipe in Arlington, VA give The Plumbing Doctor a call at (703) 525-9280. We ensure rapid and responsive service as well as competitive pricing. You can depend on us!