Understanding How to Close Your Water Supply After a Burst Pipe is Critical

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Got a Burst Pipe? Turn Off Your Main Water Valve
You must know just how to shut off your main water line if you struggle with a burst pipe. Don't wait on a plumbing emergency prior to discovering exactly how to get this done. Besides, besides emergency leaks, you will need to switch off your major water valve for plumbing repair work or if you leave for a long journey. Learn more concerning it in this mini overview.

Must This Always Be Turn off?


Aside from emergency situations, repairs, or long holidays, you might not require to turn off the main shutoff. For instance, so one fixture has problems, you can turn off the branch valve in that place. By doing this, you can still make use of water in various other parts of your home. For ideal outcomes, call a dependable plumber for emergencies.

Why Must You Shut the Main Line Off?


Acquainting on your own with how your mainline switches on and off can conserve you during an emergency. For instance, when a pipeline unexpectedly bursts in your residence, you'll be besieged with panic. Thus, you can conveniently close the shutoff off and also avoid even more damages if you recognize what to do. Additionally, closing this off assures you don't need to manage a sudden flood in your house.
On top of that, closing as well as opening the shutoffs from time to time guarantees they do not get stuck. It is additionally the very best time for you to examine for corrosion or other broken links. In addition, make it a point to inform other member of the family on what to do. This makes routine maintenance and also managing emergency situations a lot easier. You can potentially save yourself countless dollars in repairs.

Where is This Key Valve Located?


The major water line supply can vary, so you might need to find time to figure out where it is. Regrettably, when your house is getting drenched due to a ruptured pipe, you don't have the luxury of time throughout an emergency. Hence, you have to prepare for this plumbing predicament by learning where the shutoff lies.
This shutoff valve can look like a sphere shutoff (with a lever-type handle) or an entrance shutoff (with a circle spigot). Placement relies on the age of your house as well as the environment in your location. Check the complying with typical areas:
  • Interior of Home: In chillier environments, the city supply pipelines face your residence. Examine usual utility areas like your basement, laundry room, or garage. A most likely place is near the water heater. In the basement, this valve will certainly go to your eye level. On the other major floors, you might require to bend down to find it.

  • Outdoors on the Exterior Wall: The main valve is outside the home in exotic climates where they don't experience wintertime. It is usually connected to an exterior wall. Look for it near an outside tap.

  • Outdoors by the Road: If you can't discover the shutoff anywhere else, it is time to inspect your road. It could be outdoors next to your water meter. It could be below the gain access to panel near the ground on your street. You may need a meter key that's sold in equipment shops to take off the panel cover. You can find 2 valves, one for city use and one for your residence. Make sure you shut down the ideal one. As well as you will recognize that you did when none of the taps in your home launch freshwater.


  • Pipe Burst? Here's What to Do Next


    There's nothing worse than that sinking feeling that sets in when you notice water dripping from your ceiling or — worse — gushing from a broken pipe. Many homeowners find themselves panicking as they start to tally up the water damage repair costs. Fortunately, a bit of forward planning can help you avert a total plumbing disaster.


    What Happens When a Pipe Bursts?


    There are several reasons that your pipes could burst, though one of the leading culprits is ice. When the temperature outside dips below freezing, the water in your pipes can freeze, too. When water freezes, it expands, putting significant pressure on your pipework.



    When your pipes freeze for the first time, they may withstand the added pressure without any adverse effects. However, allowing your pipes to freeze repeatedly will gradually weaken them as they expand and contract, eventually causing them to burst or crack.


  • Corrosion


  • High water pressure


  • Blockages


  • Invading tree roots


  • How Do You Know If Your Pipes Have Burst?


    When you mention broken pipes, most people imagine water gushing dramatically from the wall or ceiling. However, the first signs are often subtler. It's a good idea to look out for the less obvious symptoms of a major leak.



    When a water pipe bursts, moisture starts seeping into your floors, ceilings and insulation, causing significant damage. Eventually, mold and mildew start to flourish, creating a potentially hazardous living environment. If you find yourself wading through puddles of water on the floor or can hear water bubbling inside the walls, you won't be left in any doubt as to whether you have a burst pipe.


    Unexplained Hike in Water Bills


    If your water bill suddenly shoots up for no apparent reason, it could be a sign of a burst water main. As water seeps out of the pipe, it sends your water usage sky high. Any unexpected increase in your water bills warrants further investigation.




    Reduced Water Pressure


    A broken water main or burst pipe means your system must work harder to maintain a supply to your faucets and other fixtures. Therefore, reduced or uneven water pressure could be a sign that you've got a leak. While there are a few potential causes of dodgy water pressure, it's important to find the reason quickly to prevent water damage.


    No Flow


    Reduced water pressure is inconvenient enough, but you may suddenly find that you have no water flow at all. One of the most likely reasons for a complete lack of running water is a frozen pipe. You should defrost your pipes as quickly as possible to stop them from bursting.



    If you can access the frozen pipe, you could try defrosting it yourself. Turn on the central heating to around 70 degrees and use a gentle heat source like a hairdryer or infrared lamp to warm the pipe up gradually — never use a blowtorch or other open flame. If the pipe is inaccessible or your efforts aren’t fruitful, call a plumber to defrost the pipes for you.


    Damp Patches in Your Home or Yard


    As water flows out of a burst pipe, you may notice damp or discolored patches on your walls, floors or ceilings. If the leak happens under a tiled floor, it could make the tiles feel wobbly or unstable.



    Don't forget to look for exterior signs of a burst pipe. Depending on the location, you may also see puddles, depressions or wobbly pavement in your yard.

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    What Do I Do If I Have A Burst Pipe In My Home?

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