DIY vs. Pro Plumber: When to Call for Help in Manchester
A burst pipe is one of the most stressful and potentially damaging emergencies a homeowner can face. Seeing water pouring into your home can cause instant panic, but taking the right steps immediately can save you thousands of pounds in damage.
If you’re dealing with a burst pipe, stay as calm as possible and follow this emergency guide.
The First, Most Important Step: Turn Off Your Water
Before you do anything else, you must shut off the mains water supply to your home. Your mains stopcock (also known as a stop tap) is the valve that controls all the water coming into your property.
It is usually found under the kitchen sink, but can also be in a downstairs toilet, a utility room, a cellar, or a garage. Find it and turn it clockwise until it is fully closed. This will stop the flow of water and prevent the flood from getting worse.
Step-by-Step Emergency Actions
Once the water is off, follow these steps:
1. Switch Off Your Electrics Water and electricity are a lethal combination. If water is leaking anywhere near your fuse box, electrical outlets, or appliances, turn off your electricity at the mains immediately. If you are unsure, do not touch any electrical switches.
2. Turn Off Central Heating & Water Heating Switch off your boiler and any other water heating systems. This will prevent them from trying to heat water that is no longer in the system and helps to avoid further damage.
3. Drain the System To get rid of the remaining water still in the pipes, turn on all the cold taps in your house. This will help to drain the system completely and reduce the amount of water leaking from the burst pipe. Once the cold taps stop running, flush all your toilets.
4. Collect the Escaping Water Place buckets, pans, and old towels under the leak to catch as much water as possible. If the leak is coming through the ceiling, and you can safely place a bucket underneath the bulge, do so. This can help prevent the ceiling from collapsing.
5. Call Your Emergency Plumber Now that you have the immediate situation under control, you need a professional to assess the damage and carry out a safe, lasting repair.
The team at Smith & Son’s Plumbing is on call 24/7 for emergencies just like this across Manchester. We have the expertise to fix the problem quickly and efficiently.