What Happens if Your Water Line Breaks?

What Happens if Your Water Line Breaks?

Experiencing a water line break can disrupt daily life and potentially cause significant damage to your property. Understanding what happens when a water line breaks and knowing how to respond can help you to brace for impact. It can also help you start planning timely repairs from our team at Memphis Sewer & Water. Here’s a detailed overview of what happens if your water line breaks. In addition, we’ve included the steps you should take to address the situation the right way.

Why Do Water Lines Break?

A water line break occurs when the pipe that supplies water to your home or property ruptures or cracks. This can happen due to various reasons, such as:

• Freezing Temperatures: During cold weather, water inside pipes can freeze and expand, causing the pipes to burst.
• Aging Infrastructure: Older pipes typically deteriorate over time due to corrosion, wear, or soil conditions. If this is the case, it may be time for an infrastructure replacement project.
• High Water Pressure: Too much water pressure can strain pipes, which leads to cracks or ruptures.
• Ground Movement: Shifting soil can put stress on underground pipes, causing them to break.

What Does a Water Line Break Impact?

When a water line breaks, several immediate events can occur, such as:

• Loss of Water Supply: The most immediate effect of a water line break is the loss of water supply to your home or property. Depending on the location and severity of the break, water flow may stop entirely or be significantly reduced.
• Water Damage: Water from the broken pipe can flood areas inside your home or property. This can damage your walls, floors, ceilings, furniture, appliances, and personal belongings. Quick action is key to avoid water damage and prevent any mold growth.
• Water Contamination: If the water line break involves a water supply line, you may have concerns about water quality. Contaminants from the surrounding environment could enter the water supply. This calls for specific precautions. You should drink and cook with bottled water until a water quality test confirms your water’s safety.
• Flooding: In severe cases, a water line break can lead to areas of flooding around your property. This water can affect landscaping, driveways, and even wildlife in the area.

What Do I Do If My Water Line Breaks?

Responding quickly to a water line break is crucial for minimizing damage. Here are the steps to take if your water line breaks:

1. Shut Off the Water Supply

Immediately locate and shut off the main water supply valve to your home or property. Shutting off the water supply stops the flow of water and prevents further flooding or water damage.

2. Assess the Damage

After shutting off the water supply, assess the extent of the damage caused by the water line break. Check for any obvious leaks, water damage, or electrical safety hazards.

3. Call Memphis Sewer & Water

Contact the water line repair specialists you can trust. We have the expertise, tools, and experience to diagnose the cause of the break, assess the condition of your plumbing system. Finally, we can perform necessary repairs safely and efficiently.

4. Reduce Further Damage

While waiting for our team to arrive, take immediate steps to reduce any further damage. These steps may include:

• Removing any standing water with mops or towels
• Increasing airflow to dry out any damp areas that are potential hazards for mold growth
• Protecting your belongings from the water with towels, blankets or sheets

5. Contact Your Insurance Provider

Call your homeowner’s insurance provider about the water line break and any damage you notice. Review your insurance policy to understand the details of your coverage related to water damage and plumbing repairs. Document the damage with photos or videos.

6. Schedule Any Needed Follow-Up Repairs

After the initial emergency response and repairs are completed, schedule follow-up inspections and repairs as needed. This may look like an additional plumbing inspection from our team at Memphis Sewer & Water to check for any remaining leaks, weaknesses, or damage that may have resulted from the water line break.

Call Memphis Sewer & Water Today!

If you experience water line damage in Memphis, contacting our team at Memphis Sewer & Water is essential. Our talented professionals offer prompt and efficient services to address water line issues, minimizing potential damage to your property.

To report damage of a water line break or to request an inspection, contact Memphis Sewer & Water at (901) 598-1999 today. Our skilled technicians at Memphis Sewer & Water will assess the situation and carry out necessary repairs efficiently. We’ll restore your water service and help you get back to daily life.