There is nothing quite as terrifying for a homeowner as the sound of rushing water echoing through the walls or ceiling. A burst pipe can release dozens of gallons of water per minute, soaking drywall, ruining hardwood floors, and destroying furniture.
While you cannot reverse the burst pipe yourself, your actions in the first five minutes dictate how much permanent damage your Lake Elsinore home will sustain. Here is exactly what you need to do.
Step 1: Shut Off the Main Water Valve IMMEDIATELY
Do not waste time trying to put buckets under the leak or searching for a localized shutoff valve if the leak is severe. Run immediately to your home's main water shutoff valve.
In Lake Elsinore, this valve is usually located in one of three places:
- In the garage, near the water heater.
- On the exterior wall of the house facing the street.
- Inside the water meter box near the curb.
Turn the valve clockwise (to the right) until it stops. If it is a lever-style valve, pull it perpendicular to the pipe. This will cut off all water pressure to the house and stop the flooding.
Step 2: Turn Off the Electricity
If the water is pooling near electrical outlets, appliances, or lighting fixtures, go to your breaker box and shut off the electricity to that zone. Water and electricity are a deadly combination. If the flooding is severe, it is safer to turn off the main breaker to the entire house.
Step 3: Open the Lowest Faucets
Once the main water is off, run to the lowest level of your home and open the bathtub and sink faucets. This will drain the remaining water sitting in the pipes out through the sink rather than out through the burst pipe in your wall.
Step 4: Call an Emergency Plumber
Once the home is secured and safe, you need professional help to locate the burst, extract the damaged section, and weld in a permanent repair.
At Lake Elsinore Plumbing, we offer 24/7 Emergency Plumbing response without any overtime fees. If you are dealing with a burst pipe, call us immediately or head to our Home Page for our contact information.