What To Do After a Water Main Break

Water mains are the pipes that supply water to your home. They run underground throughout your city, usually below or near roads. Although they were once made of galvanized steel or cast iron, most water mains are concrete today. Unfortunately, water main breaks can happen at any time. While they often damage roads, a broken water main can also damage your home as well. We look at how to clean up a water main break. Plus, we explain the causes, signs of trouble, and whether the damage is covered by your insurance.

What To Do After a Water Main Break

The following steps will help you clean up a water main break that damaged your home or basement.

Also, you should report a broken water main to your local water department unless someone is already at the scene. They will then inspect the issue and determine what to do next.

However, the city is only responsible for damage to public property. If the water comes into your house, you will need to clean up the damage and make repairs.

Approximate Time: 3 days

Estimated Repair Cost: $ 1,200

Tolls & Supplies Needed:

• Towels
• Bucket
• Mop
• Soap
• Bleach
• Spray bottle
• Pump
• Wet-dry vacuum
• High-volume fans
• Structural drying dehumidifier

6 Steps to Cleaning Up a Water Main Break in Your Home

1. Check Your Home for Water

Since it can severely damage your home, you should always check for water. You should start in the basement or crawl space and then check the first floor as well. Look for wet carpet, walls and cabinets. You should also keep checking for water over the next several days, as it may not enter your home right away.

2. Remove the Water

If you do have damage, you need to remove the water as soon as possible. If there is more than several inches of water, you should use a pump. However, you can use a wet-dry vacuum or even towels if there is less water. If you don’t have a pump, you can rent one for as low as $20 per day.

3. Dry Out Your Home

After removing the water, you need to dry your home quickly to limit damage and prevent mold. For this reason, you should always use high-volume fans and structural drying dehumidifiers.

While you can use regular house fans will eventually work, they aren’t meant to dry your home. This means longer drying times and a greater chance of mold.

You can get fans and dehumidifiers from most equipment rental companies for between $50 and $100 per day. In most cases, you’ll need one to two fans and one dehumidifier for smaller areas. However, you may need four or more fans and two dehumidifiers for larger spaces.

With the right amount of equipment, you can dry out your home in 12 to 24 hours.

4. Remove the Damage

Next, you need to remove the damage. First, throw away any damaged personal items. Then remove soaking wet carpeting. If necessary, cut out wet walls and throw away wet cabinets.

Put smaller things in heavy-duty plastic bags, however, avoid overfilling them. Wet items are much heavier than you would think. Then bundle up larger bulk items with rope or twine.

5. Disinfect and Deodorize

Then you should wash everything with soap and water to remove any dirt. Once they are clean, mix a cup of bleach in a gallon of water and wipe down items and surfaces. This will kill mold and bacteria, as well as prevent smells.

If there is a smell already, fresh air is the best option, so open up your windows. If the odors last more than a day, you can use baking soda. Just sprinkle it on and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it up.

6. Rebuild If Necessary

Finally, you may need to replace damaged carpeting, drywall, cabinets, or other items. It may also require painting walls and refinishing hardwoods.

How to Flush Your Pipes After a Water Main Break

After the water main is repaired, you should flush your pipes to remove dirt and sediment. Start by running all of your cold water faucets. Let the water run clear, and then keep them running for at least two minutes.

Next, you need to clear out your hot water tank. Run all of your hot water faucets until the water turns cold. Then wait an hour or two for your water heater to warm back up and run them until cold a second time.

Once you finish clearing your faucets, you should check the aerators for dirt. The aerator is the mesh screen in your faucet that helps the water flow in a smooth stream. Unscrew the cap and rinse or replace the mesh aerators inside.

If you have a water filtration system, you should also change the filter. For refrigerator water dispensing systems, run the water for five minutes before replacing the filter. If you have an ice maker, let it run normally but throw away all of the ice for the next week.

You should also flush your dishwasher and washing machines. You can do this by running them empty on the warm setting twice to flush the lines. Then run them again two more times with soap to clean the insides. If your dishwasher has a water filter, you should replace it afterward.

What Is a Water Main Break?

A water main break is when the main water lines that supply water from the city to your home break for some reason.

As a result, the water pouring out of the pipe can erode soil and roads or create a sinkhole. It can also cause floods and even water damage inside your home.

Although water will still floor through the pipe, it has low pressure. However, it’s usually brown and gritty because dirt gets into the pipe.

What Are the Signs of a Water Main Break?

• Dirty, brown, or rust-colored water
• Faucets hiss or pop when water runs
• Low water pressure or slow-flowing water
• Pipes make unusual noises when water runs
• Unusually wet or soggy ground

Frequently Asked Questions About Water Main Breaks

What causes a water main break?

Although there are many causes, most water main breaks are the result of age, corrosion, and accidents. Everything wears out over time, so water mains can break with old age. Water will also corrode metal and concrete water mains, causing some areas to wear out faster. Accidents are also common, especially when building roads or new buildings.

How long should you run the water after a water main break?

You should run the water for between three and five minutes after a water main break to clear the pipe. Depending on the damage from the water main break, It can take anywhere from a few seconds to more than a minute for the water to run clear. Then run the water for at least two minutes.

How long do you need to boil the water after a water main break?

If a boil alert is issued, you should boil your water for ten minutes after a water main break. However, do not start your timer until after the water reaches a rolling boil. Boiling small amounts of water in a large pot will reduce how long it takes to start boiling.

How long does it take to fix a water main break?

Although they can usually shut off the water in as little as a few hours, it can take days or even weeks to fix a water main break. When it comes to water damage from a broken water main, it usually takes two to three days to remove the water and dry it out. Restoring your home to its original condition can take several more days.

Who is responsible for a water main break?

While the city is responsible for repairing the water main and for damage to public property, you are responsible for any damage to your property or house. For example, the city will repair your street and sidewalk. However, you will need to repair your landscape and any damage inside your home.

Is damage from a water main break covered by insurance?

Since they are considered groundwater flooding, a water main break is normally not covered by home insurance. However, you should always document the damage and call your insurance agent. If you have a separate flood insurance policy, it will usually cover the cost of restoration.

Get Help Cleaning up Damage From a Water Main Break

If you have water damage from a water main break, our specialists are trained and certified to restore your home fast. Call 1-855-913-0307 now for a risk-free estimate on water damage restoration services.