A leaky pipe is not the kind of surprise you want to experience as a homeowner. Unfortunately, pipes can spring leaks anytime and just about anywhere in your home. Whether you're dealing with a leak that's hidden behind your drywall or a more obvious leak underneath a sink, knowing what to do (and what not to do) can help you act quickly and avoid costly damage.
DO Shut Off Water at the Source
The first thing to do when you realize you're dealing with a leaky pipe is to shut off water to that pipe as quickly as possible. Typically, the best way to do this is to shut off your home's water supply altogether. If you don't know where your water shut-off is, now is the time to familiarize yourself with it. In most homes, your water shut-off valve will be located in the same space where your water heater is installed.
DON'T Put Yourself at Risk
If a large amount of water has been displaced from the pipe, you should also be concerned about potential electrocution. This is especially true if you have standing water in any area of your home or if the leak has occurred near an appliance such as a refrigerator, washer/dryer, or similar equipment. Before you attempt to work in the area of a water leak, it's better to be safe by shutting off the electricity to that part of your home.
DO Contact an Emergency Plumber
Pipe leaks can cause a great deal of damage in a very small amount of time, which is why it's best to leave repairs up to an experienced professional. Reaching out to an emergency plumber will ensure that you get the response you need as quickly as possible. A plumber will be able to pinpoint and repair the source of the leak so that you can begin restoration work.
DON'T Overlook Your Home Insurance
While plumbing leaks are not always covered by insurance, there are situations where a leaky or burst pipe could be covered by a home insurance policy. The only way to find out will be to check your policy paperwork and contact your insurance agent. Even if you end up having to pay your deductible out of your own pocket, there's a good chance that you'll save money by going this route (especially if you need restoration work done due to the water damage).
Keep these dos and don'ts in mind so that you can spring into action the next time a pipe in your home springs a leak!
Contact a plumber in your area for more information.
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