Help! My Outdoor Faucet Burst! Quick Fixes to Stop Water Damage
Turning on your outdoor faucet after a long winter only to be greeted by a burst pipe and water spraying everywhere can be a scary situation. A burst spigot can quickly lead to flooding, water damage and costly repairs if you don't act fast. Don't panic - there are steps you can take right away to get the situation under control and minimize any further damage. With some quick fixes and pipe maintenance you can get your outdoor faucet working again in no time.
Keep reading to learn how to address this common seasonal plumbing issue!
Symptoms of a Burst Spigot
How can you tell if your outdoor faucet has burst? Here are some telltale signs to look out for:
- Water leaking or dripping from the spigot or surrounding area
- Visible cracks or ruptures in the pipe near the faucet
- Low water pressure when turning on the outdoor tap
- Water spots or moisture on exterior walls near the faucet
- Flooding inside your home near interior plumbing units
If you notice any of these issues when turning your water back on for spring, you likely have a burst pipe on your hands. The good news? There are quick actions you can take to get the situation under control.
Act Fast to Minimize Damage
Speed is important when dealing with a burst spigot and water flooding. Here are the first steps to take immediately after discovering the issue:
- Shut off the main water supply line to your entire home.
- Turn off any individual shutoff valves leading specifically to the outdoor faucet.
- Use towels or dirt mounds to redirect water away from your home's foundation if needed.
- Remove any belongings or furniture from any flooded areas indoors.
- Thoroughly dry any wet surfaces, walls, floors with fans and dehumidifiers.
Taking swift action helps limit the overall amount of water flooding and penetration. It also reduces the likelihood of mold growing later on.
Caught it Early? Just Turning Off the Water May Suffice
If you caught the leak early and flooding is minimal, simply turning off the water supply may be all that's needed in the short term. However, you'll still need to inspect the pipe and make repairs.
Inspect and Locate the Burst
Once you've got the initial water flow stopped, it's time to track down the exact location of the rupture. Here's how to inspect the spigot and pipe:
- Look closely for the origin point of the water leakage
- Check pipe threading and connector joints near the spigot
- Examine the length of exposed and underground pipe for cracks or splits
- Notice if the frost-proof seal or backflow preventer is damaged
- Determine if a hose was attached and froze, causing the burst
Locating the burst spot is crucial for making the right repairs. If it's not obvious, you may need to dig around underground pipes to find the breakage source.
No Visible Damage? Could Be an Interior Issue
If your outdoor faucet is burst but no cracks are visible, the issue may be with interior plumbing units that the feeder pipe connects to. Inspect valves, supply lines and connections inside to pinpoint the problem.
Temporary Repairs To Stop Water Flow
Before you can fully fix and replace your burst spigot, you'll need to stop the water flow coming from the damaged pipe. Here are some temporary fixes to stop the leak:
- Use an air compressor to force remaining water out of underground pipe sections.
- Tighten any loose connector fittings with a pipe wrench.
- Seal small cracks and holes with epoxy putty designed for plumbing.
- Insulate areas around the pipe prone to freezing.
- Wrap exposed sections in electrical heat tape to prevent refreezing.
These quick solutions reduce water output until permanent repairs can be made. Just take care not to apply too much pressure when sealing cracks - it could damage the pipe further.
Consider Shutting Off Water At Street to Be Safe
For severe bursts, you may want to shut the water off at the street rather than just at your main home line. This guarantees no water is accidentally fed to the damaged pipe.
Permanent Fixture Repairs and Replacement
Once the gushing water is under control, it's time to fully fix or replace the ruptured spigot and piping. Here are the steps for permanent repairs:
- Replace any burst sections of pipe with new, cold weather-rated hardware.
- Upgrade outdoor faucet to a frost-proof model if needed.
- Reconnect replacement sections with proper fittings and sealant/tape.
- Confirm appropriate downward pitch to allow drainage.
- Insulate vulnerable areas of the line and valves.
Be sure to use only plumbing-grade materials and parts when making repairs. Correct pitching and drainage are also key to prevent freezing issues.
Consider Hiring a Plumber for Tricky Repairs
If the burst spot is in a hard to reach location or repairs are complex, don't hesitate to hire a professional plumber to fix it.
Preventing Future Freeze and Burst Issues
Even after your spigot is fixed, you'll need to take precautions so it doesn't burst again next winter. Here are proactive measures to take:
- Disconnect hoses and store indoors before winter.
- Install a lifelong frost-proof faucet if you currently lack one.
- Drain and shut off water lines to outside taps ahead of a freeze.
- Seal any exterior cracks or openings around the spigot.
- Insulate water lines and taps plus areas they run through.
Ruptures often result from letting water sit in pipes that lack proper insulation and freeze protection. Addressing those issues is the ultimate solution.
Maintain Your Spigot Year Round
Regular maintenance like checking for leaks, replacing worn washers and keeping connections tight will also help avoid future burst disasters.
Checking for Secondary Water Damage
Even if you stop a burst spigot quickly, it still may have caused water damage inside your home's walls and foundation. Here's how to inspect for issues:
- Scan walls/ceilings for moisture, bubbling paint or plaster
- Check under sinks and around tubs for any sign of drips or leaks
- Monitor foundations and crawl spaces for pooling water
- Pay close attention near previous water penetration areas
- Repair any secondary damage right away to prevent mold growth
Don't let unaddressed moisture issues linger. Identifying and fixing all water damage protects your home long term.
In some cases, it's smart to have a professional plumber handle the burst spigot repairs:
- If you can't locate or access your main water shutoff
- Significant flooding of your home occurred
- The damaged pipe section is not easily reachable
- Fixing all the water damage will require drywall or flooring removal
- You lack the skills or confidence for DIY repairs
Plumbers have the expertise and equipment to fully address tricky burst spigot issues and water-logged homes. Don't take chances - call for backup when needed.
Dealing with a burst outdoor faucet can be stressful and dangerous if not handled swiftly. Follow the tips above to quickly stop the water flow, make repairs, prevent future freeze damage and address any secondary leakage issues. With diligence and prompt action, you can get the situation under control and your spigot working again in no time!