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It’s helpful to know what to do if your pipes burst. At Anytime Flood Restoration in Denver, we know that many people have never had to deal with this type of emergency and it’s easy to be overwhelmed during the initial incident. Today, we offer tips that will prepare you for this worst-case scenario, and even better, prevent issues when our weather cools down at the end of the year. Of course, if you ever have a pipe burst, we’re here 24/7 to help you out.

What to Do if Your Pipes Burst

First and foremost, don’t panic. It can create a hazardous situation. Take a deep breath and follow these three steps.

1. Turn off your main shut-off valve and drain as much water as possible. Shutting off the main valve will stop water from continuing to enter your home. Turn on all available faucets and start flushing toilets to drain as much water as you can out of the pipes. Don’t know where your valve is located? Take a moment to familiarize yourself before disaster strikes.
2. Shut off your electricity if necessary. If the burst pipe is close to any switches or outlets, which happens frequently, shutting down the power at your fuse box is important.
3. Clean up and repair the damage. Repairing the damaged pipe and eliminating the potential for a repeat problem is a must. The water damage will need attention as well. Water damage, if not cleaned up properly, can create additional problems such as mold, odors, ruined possessions, and structural damage. Contacting a professional, such as Anytime Flood Restoration, can help you avoid long-term and costly issues.

What to Do Before Your Pipes Burst

While the weather is warming up now, there are some important things you can do in advance of winter to prepare your pipes and save yourself time and money. Best of all, by getting some of these items completed during summer, you won’t be stuck working in the freezing cold:

• Insulate any visible or exposed pipes. Pre-formed foam-rubber insulation works well for this, but you can also choose other kinds of foam, pipe jackets or fiberglass wrap. Consider using heat tape for those pipes that may be particularly vulnerable.
• Insulate your water tank. You can get also a pre-cut jacket for this or you can purchase a specialized blanket. Not only does this help save your pipes, but it can also save you money on heating costs.
• Disconnect any outdoor/garden hoses. Be sure to drain them to keep your hoses in good shape and shut off any inside valves that run to any outdoor hose bibs. Outside valves should remain open to give any freezing water room to expand.

We here at Anytime Flood Repair in Denver hope that knowing what to do if your pipes burst will help you should you be faced with such a home emergency. And while prevention is vital, there may come a time when you need us, like 2 AM on Saturday morning! Luckily, we will be here for you to clean up the mess, fix all the water damage and even work directly with your insurance to return your home to its pre-loss state.