Burst Pipe Repair in Arvada, CO

Should you find a burst pipe within your residence, your very first action should be to cut off the main water supply to the house. Otherwise, you might as well open the floodgates! Next, take everything you can safely from the room in which the eruption occurred to dry land. That includes any hanging items that, when not properly dried, are susceptible to mold and mildew. Follow that step with a processing of the room in which the pipe burst, and any neighboring rooms that are potentially affected, with a mop and a vacuum.

It's vital to keep exposed pipes in unheated spaces like attics, basements, and garages insulated to prevent them from bursting when the temperature drops. The best way to do this is with foam pipe insulation, which you can find at most hardware stores; if you're in a really tight spot, you can use the more expensive heat tape. And don't forget to also keep the plumbing in your kitchen and bathroom warm—open up the cabinet doors and let some of the warm air from your house circulate around the pipes. On really cold days, also let your kitchen and bathroom faucets drip slightly.

Unusual noises coming from your pipes are a sign that something is amiss. Gurgling or hissing sounds can indicate serious problems. Other potential indicators are decreased water pressure or strange increases in your water bills. If your pipe is about to burst, you might notice wetness in places where it shouldn't be—like spots on your walls or ceilings, bulging sections of drywall, or inexplicably damp floors. If you see or hear any of these warning signs, call a plumber right away. Time is of the essence. If your pipe is truly on the verge of bursting, it could do so at any moment and cause a flood.

Usually, fixing a burst pipe starts with diagnosing the problem accurately. This typically requires inspecting the visible pipe layout and using tools like moisture meters or thermal imaging cameras to "see" where the water that is supposed to be inside the pipe has escaped. After identifying the problem area, the plumber must shut off the water supply (if the system is still under pressure) and assess the situation to determine whether it can be repaired or if it requires a full replacement. Professionals handle the repairs because the process is not only somewhat dangerous but also requires an assortment of tools and spare parts.

Although you might be able to handle small and uncomplicated burst pipe repairs, it's generally best to call in the pros to be certain the work is done right—and, more importantly, safe. Doing it yourself can be risky if you're not well-versed in plumbing systems, because a wrong turn could lead to damage that makes the initial problem seem like a small, manageable hurdle. We've already mentioned that a plumber is much more capable of fixing a problem than someone who's not. But a better way to phrase that is: A professional is more likely to fix the problem without causing any new (or old) code issues that might come back to haunt you in the future.

When you receive a bill for fixing a burst pipe, the amount will depend on a number of factors. How accessible was the pipe that burst? How extensively was it damaged? What kind of materials did the plumber have on hand to do the job? Was there any kind of water damage to your house that also needed fixing? How much of an emergency was the situation? Did the plumber have to work at regular "9 to 5" hours, or was he doing your repairs on "overtime"? There are lots of things that go into the cost of a burst pipe and the repairs associated with it, so be sure to get a good estimate.

The majority of the time, if a pipe bursts and causes water to suddenly and accidentally flood your home, your homeowners insurance will cover the damage—maybe even most of it. But coverage varies, sometimes widely, depending on both your policy and your provider. And even though we tend to think of water as something that flows harmlessly through pipes—until the pipes burst, of course—they're not neglecting maintenance if they don't cover damage due to maintenance that's been neglected for so long that it suddenly becomes an "accident." On the other hand, we might be looking at additional flooding coverage as next up on our list.

Several factors influence how long it takes to fix a burst pipe. Most obviously, there's the type and amount of damage that's been done. Then there are the sorts of pipes and where they're located. All of this has a big effect on the kinds of repairs that might be necessary. If it turns out to be a simple fix, that might only take a few hours. If it's a complex issue, though, and especially if it turns out that new pipe has to be installed, then we're talking a lot longer—quite a few hours, meaning quite a few dollars.

If you are anticipating a plumber's arrival, shut off your house's water main to keep unwanted water from flooding your space and causing more damage. Once the immediate source of water has been dealt with, start working on the standing water. Either use a wet vacuum or buckets and towels—don't be afraid to get a little forceful with those towels. Meanwhile, move anything that would be a disaster if it got wet (or that could get damaged if it were to stay wet for too long) out of the space where the water is. If the area is safe, use a fan or dehumidifier to start the drying process—doing so will minimize the mold and mildew that could become your new best friends.

The most effective way to stop plumbing systems from failing is by maintaining them. Insulate plumbing that runs through unheated spaces to keep it warm enough to prevent freezing, and make sure your home's heating system keeps the living areas warm enough to avoid putting pipe insulation in the living areas and at the risk of burst pipes. Catch leaks early, before they get serious, with a smart water leak detector. And maintain the peace of mind that comes from knowing that an expert has checked your plumbing system in a regular inspection and found all plumbing components to be in good working order.