With the temperatures dropping outside, one concern of homeowners is the possibility of a pipe burst. If you have noticed that your toilet is not refilling, faucets aren’t running, or other plumbing troubles have presented themselves, the problem could be a frozen or burst pipe. A bursting pipe is caused when the water freezes inside the tube, and it then expands, causing both metal and plastic pipes to break. To correct this problem and prevent further damage from occurring, here are the steps that you should take.

Shut off the main water valve

Shut off the main water valve right away, and make sure your entire family knows where the valve is located and how to turn it off. Because it is nearly impossible to predict the exact moment a pipe will burst, you never know who is going to be the one at home to take care of the issue should it arise.

Reach out to a plumber

Contact a plumber and schedule an appointment to have the pipe fixed. The costs will vary based on your particular situation, and if you need emergency services, make sure you call plumbing companies that provide these because not all offer conveniences like 24/7 immediate assistance.

Clean up the water

If a lot of water damage has occurred, make sure that you also shut the electricity off to ensure no one is electrocuted or hurt during the cleaning process. Also, water build up can lead to mold and rot, and this can cost you (even more) money in the future if it is left unattended, so get the moisture and water out as soon as possible.

Prevent a pipe from bursting

Make sure you winterize outdoor faucets before freezing temperatures arrive by removing hoses and adequately insulating pipes. A plumber can help you winterize your home’s pipes, and make sure your plumbing is ready for the winter. When the temperatures do drastically drop, you can create a small water drip from the faucets and open up kitchen and bathroom cabinets that expose the piping under sinks to let the warm air in.

If you have noticed the signs of a burst pipe or want expert plumbers to winterize your plumbing before the freezing weather arrives, call SSI at (703) 968-0606  or reach out to our friendly customer support now. You can count on SSI for 24/7 emergency service!