Sooner or later most homeowners will have to deal with a burst or leaking pipe. The potential damage from leaking water is extensive, and lots of water is wasted in the process. The signs of a burst pipe include puddles of water, or water spots on ceilings or walls. This situation is one of the most common Plumbing Dallas emergencies, so it makes sense to know what to do when it occurs. At least the damage can be minimized until a plumber can arrive to make the repair.
For slow leaks, it may be possible to use a bucket or similar container to collect the water underneath the pipe. Every homeowner should know where the main water valve for their home is located so that it can be turned off in an emergency Plumbing Dallas situation. Some fixtures such as sinks toilets have their own supply turn-off valves. Appliances such as washers and hot water tanks also have ways to cut the supply to them. Hot water tank leaks are common and often unnoticed for some time. The knob or valve is located at the top of the unit.
For small holes in pipes, it may be possible to insert a pencil in the hole to block the leak. For larger holes, duct or electrical tape wrapped around the pipe can provide a temporary stop-gap. It may be helpful to purchase a leak repair kit that comes with a rubber gasket and clamp. This will keep the leak at bay until a permanent fix is completed.
It is important to keep in mind that this fix is not worthy of prolonged use, and that it will fail in a short amount of time. The pipe must be properly repaired or replaced, or the leak will happen again. It may be worse the next time, and occur while no one is home. Many hours of flowing water could totally destroy a room and its contents.
If you are unlucky enough to arrive home to the mess caused by a burst pipe, it is upsetting. However, most home insurance policies cover this damage. Although you’ll have to pay out of pocket for the plumber’s services, at least
