What To Do When a Major Water Leak Happens at Your Dugald, MB, House

When you burst a pipe, you should know how to handle a major water leak so you don't experience significant water damage. As the source of top-ranking plumbing services in Dugald, MB, King's Services can quickly repair massive leaks and advise you about the steps you should take until we arrive. When you have access to the best information, you can take quick steps to protect your family and house.

The Causes of Major Plumbing Leaks

What are the biggest causes of large plumbing leaks in Dugald?

DIY Plumbing Jobs

If you installed your own faucet or dishwasher or used chemical drain cleaner to clear your pipes, you may have overlooked an important precaution or installed a component incorrectly. While even professional plumbers can install pipes or fixtures incorrectly, it most often occurs when homeowners try to save a little money by cutting corners without the necessary experience or training.

Frozen Pipes

Dugald experiences below-freezing temperatures about five months of the year, giving your pipes ample opportunity to freeze. While you can help avoid frozen pipes by insulating them and keeping your water dripping when you go out of town, you can't always prevent them. 

Clogged Drains

Many homeowners feel surprised knowing a clogged drain can cause a major water leak. Pipes act somewhat like your circulatory system: as they become clogged, the pressure increases and eventually bursts. If you want to avoid devastating leaks, keep your drains clear.

Tree Roots

Tree roots naturally grow toward water and thus frequently invade sewer pipes. Over time, the pressure can squeeze them enough that they rupture. You may notice a leak in your yard or basement as a result.

Septic Systems

If you don't regularly inspect and pump your septic system, it can back up or leak. Much like how a clogged drain puts pressure on your pipes, a full septic system not only backs up into your basement or yard but can also cause your pipes to burst. You'll immediately recognize the distinctive smell and appearance of these sewage-filled leaks.

How To Handle a Major Leak in Your Dugald Home

To minimize damage after a major leak, use the following best practices.

Stay Safe

When you experience a major leak, your priority should include your family's safety. Reducing the damage to your property is an important, yet secondary, concern.

A wet floor becomes slippery, so step with care. If your leak involves sewage, wear gloves and other personal protective equipment to keep from inhaling or absorbing toxic fumes and substances.

Shut Off the Water

When you have a major water leak, the sooner you can shut off the water at its source, the better. If you don't know where to find the shut-off to your main water line, you should identify it immediately. 

You'll most likely find the shut-off valve near the exterior wall of your home where the pipe from the municipal water supply enters your home. Most systems have a valve inside to prevent freezing. If you don't find it inside, trace the pipe outside and look for the valve there.

Shutting off the water to your entire home provides a fast solution, and you won't have to spend time locating the source of the leak. Regularly test your water shut-off valve, so you know it will turn easily when a disaster occurs.

Clean the Damage

Once you shut off your water, you should perform a brief water damage assessment. Whether you're dealing with structural water intrusion or have minor damage under your kitchen sink, you can get a basic idea of the damage's extent.

Do what you can to dry the water, clean any contamination from sewage, and remove any affected flooring or wallpaper. Depending on the extent of the damage and how quickly you responded, you may still require professional services to repair the harm.

Assess the Leak

If you can find the source of the leak, you may have the ability to shut off the water at a more localized point, such as your kitchen sink, and restore water to the other parts of your home. However, many leaks require professional leak detection services, so if you can't locate the problem, keep your water shut off.

Schedule Emergency Plumbing Repair

When you have a major water leak, you'll need prompt repairs you can rely on to do the job well. While DIY solutions can act like a bandaid, you should only trust a reputable plumber to fix the larger problem. This ensures you won't experience the problem again, and they can check the condition of the rest of your plumbing in the process.

Preventing Major Leaks in Your Home

If you want to avoid the stress and cost of large water leaks, you should make every attempt to prevent problems. Prioritize the following best practices:

• Regular maintenance: When it comes to plumbing, maintenance is your most important investment. Schedule an inspection at least once a year so your plumber can find any weaknesses before they become leaks.
• Drain vigilance: Closely monitor and control what you put down your leaks, such as avoiding flushing anything that's not toilet paper. You should also use drain catchers for your shower and throw away the most common problematic food scraps like coffee grounds, egg shells, and cooked noodles.
• Update appliances: Old or outdated appliances are a major source of leaks. If you're tempted to save money by keeping an appliance past its life expectancy, compare that to the costs of cleaning up after a major leak.

King's Services Can Promptly Repair Major Leaks in Dugald, MB

When you have a major water leak in your Dugald home, you won't find a more prompt or reliable solution than working with King's Services. We're the experts in septic tank cleaning, burst pipe solutions, flood prevention measures, and more, and we're passionate about keeping our community safe, dry, and comfortable. 

You can book an appointment in Dugald, Manitoba, by calling King’s Services.