Ken's Plumbing | Blog

So let's say that you didn't quite prepare your pipes for winter before a big freeze, or you didn't get around to checking your washing machine supply hose before your pipes and hoses just couldn't handle the workload and now you're experiencing some sort of flooding disaster. In a moment like that, it's important to know what to do so you can act fast and minimize damage.

Stay Calm and Act Fast

• Turn off the main water supply. In particularly cold climates the main water supply valve will most likely be indoors (check your basement, crawl space, near your water heater, or even under your kitchen sink), but since we're in a warmer climate with mild winters, the valve may be outside on an exterior wall or possibly in a box underground. The valve is circular (like a ring) with several pieces in the middle connecting to a bolt; turn this knob to clockwise (or to the right) until you can no longer turn it to completely stop water from coming to your house.
• Drain the water left in your pipes. If you catch the burst before it results in a flood, drain your pipes of any remaining water once you shut off your main supply by turning on all cold water taps and flushing toilets. To drain the hot water, turn off the central heating and your water heater, then turn on all hot water taps.
• Beware of electrical shocks. If the broken pipe is near any electrical switches or your fuse box, turn off your home's electricity and try to cover and protect the switches and fuses to further guarantee your safety.
  • Did the water get to your fuse box before you could? We can help there too because Ken's Plumbing is also Hot Wire Electric!
• Be proactive and protective. Grab buckets, pots, pans, and any other containers that can collect water that would otherwise cause further damage to furniture, carpets, walls, or other valuables. If you notice a wet spot or bluge on your ceiling, stand as far back as you can and use a long-handled implement break through the surface and release the water.
• Contact your insurance agent as soon as possible. Your agent will help you start your claims process so you can start your repair process, and return to normal sooner rather than later.
• Document the damage. Take pictures, save valuables that have been clearly water-damaged, and take notes on anything you can that has been negatively affected by the pipe burst. All of this will serve as evidence in your insurance claim.
• Call Ken's Plumbing! It's likely you won't be able to repair the pipe on your own, so that's where we come in. 

We know that emergencies don't have calendars or wear watches, so they rarely happen Monday-Friday during normal business hours when most plumbers are available, which is why we make it a point to be available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 364 days a year (every day except Christmas). Whether it's 2:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m., you can give us a call at (864) 242-5511 or contact us online and we'll be on our way to help you out!