What to Do After a Water Main Break

What is a Water Main Break?

A water main is the primary water conduit that distributes water throughout the town. Most water mains and pipes are underground, typically beneath roadways. A water main break happens when one of the underground pipes that carries fresh water to homes and businesses cracks or develops a hole. When they break, water rushes upwards and causes flooding.

Causes of Water Main Breaks

There are various reasons why water main breaks can happen:

• Temperature changes that cause the ground to shift and pipes to move
• Corrosion and age of the pipes leading to cracks and weakness
• Ground settling or construction work that disturbs the pipes
• Extremely cold weather that freezes and expands the water inside

Signs of Water Main Breaks

If a water main has broken in your area, you may notice these before contacting commercial plumbers in Houston:

• Puddles or water flowing above ground where there are no natural water sources
• Low or no water pressure coming from faucets and fixtures
• Discolored, rusty, or cloudy water comes out when you turn on the tap
• The sound of running or hissing water underground
• The soggy, wet ground around your property with no obvious cause

What to Do After a Water Main Break?

If you’re faced with this situation, consider reaching out to a reputable commercial plumber Houston. 

A Houston commercial plumber specializing in plumbing services can swiftly address the issue with expertise. Here are some key steps to take after a water main break:

Contact Your Houston Plumbing Contractor

Report the break to the Houston Plumbing Contractor or local water department immediately. They’ll send a team to initiate repairs. In the meantime, limit water usage to prevent further damage.

Pay Attention to Boil Water Orders

Sometimes, water main breaks can contaminate the supply. If a boil water order is issued, follow instructions carefully. Boiling water for at least one minute kills bacteria, making it safe for consumption.

Protect Your Property

Inspect your property for leaks or flooding caused by the main break. Check basements, walls, and perimeters. Act quickly to remove standing water and dry affected areas to prevent costly repairs and mold growth.

Flush Your Plumbing System

Once the commercial plumber Houston repairs your main, flush your plumbing system to remove sediment or debris:

• Run all cold water faucets until the water runs clear.
• Flush your hot water tank by running faucets until the water turns cold, then repeat after an hour.
• Run your refrigerator’s water dispenser and replace the filter if necessary.
• Run empty cycles on your dishwashers and washing machine.
• Change the filter in your water filtration system.

Check Your Homeowners’s Insurance Policy

Review your policy to see if the water main break damage is covered. Most of the Plumbing Services Houston TX, policies don’t cover groundwater flooding, so consider additional coverage or flood insurance.

Install a Water Main Filtration System

After contacting the master plumber Houston TX, to install a water main filtration system to prevent future damage. These water main filtration systems remove sediment, sand, and rust from your plumbing. Also, improving water quality and reducing the risk of pipe damage.

What to Do If a Water Main Break Occurs During Construction?

If a water main breaks during construction on your property, act quickly. Identify the break location, turn off surrounding water sources, and contract a licensed master plumber Houston TX, to assess the damage and make repairs. Depending on the severity of the break, you may need to excavate the area, repair or replace the damaged pipe, and restore any affected infrastructure

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The Final Words

A water main break can quickly turn disastrous, but staying proactive is key. First, report the break to a trusted plumbing services Houston TX, immediately so crews can make repairs.

Their commercial plumbers In Houston specialize in swiftly handling main breaks with expertise. In the meantime, limit water usage and follow all boil advisories if contamination occurs. Inspect your entire property, removing any standing water to prevent costly mold and water damage.

Once the Houston commercial plumber repaired main, flush all plumbing lines and replace filters. Also, review your homeowner’s insurance; you may need additional flood coverage. With All-Tex Boiler & Plumbing Services, LLC's help and the right response, you can confidently tackle a water main break!