Plumbing Emergency - Temporary Fix For A Burst Pipe

One of the most damaging plumbing problems a homeowner can face is a burst pipe. Water can slowly seep throughout the house, allowing mold and rot to flourish. Other times, the burst can be so violent that there's a small flood or puddles that collect near the area. The longer the problem is ignored the more damage it will create. Fortunately, most burst pipes can benefit from a temporary DIY patch for a few days or weeks until a professional plumber can be called.

Metal pipes are prone to splitting during cold weather. As water freezes it also expands, and if it is sitting in a portion of pipe with no place else to move, it will eventually tear through the metal. This is most common in homes that have lead pipes, although it can still happen to copper, steel, and sometimes even plastic. If you think a pipe has burst, the first thing to do is shut off the water to stop any further leakage. If you can attribute the leak to a specific fixture, such as the sink, then you'll find the main valve below it. However, if you're not sure, you should turn off the main supply point located near the water meter.

At this point, you may not have stopped the leak yet. This is because there is still plenty of water remaining in the pipes. You'll need to completely dry out the system by allowing all the cool and hot water to drain out. Turn on your all of your fixtures until the flow stops. You should also flush the toilet bowl to empty it. Once all the water is purged, you won't have to worry about further leaking. While you are doing this, place a bucket below the leak to prevent water damage to the floor or furniture.

If the burst pipe is in a wall or ceiling and you can see visible bulging or wet spots on the surface, you'll want to try to relieve the pressure to prevent materials from collapsing or rotting. Make a small puncture in the bulging area and place something below it to catch the liquid. The damage inflicted will be minimal in comparison. Be very cautious when doing this, as you don't want any parts of the wall or ceiling falling on top of you.

If possible, get to the source of the leak and patch it up. Sometimes it will only be a small crack, which can even be fixed with some strong tape or by wrapping a tea towel tightly around the area and securing it with ties. This is only advisable if the damage is truly minor and the pipe is fairly small such as one that is below the sink or toilet. If there is a hole in the main line, then don't bother with a temporary fix. Call a plumbing professional immediately. Remember that a DIY patch should only be used for a couple of weeks at most, or else you risk further damage to the plumbing system.