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What to Do When You Have a Burst Pipe in Roodepoort

A burst pipe is one of the most stressful plumbing emergencies a homeowner can face. Water damage can cost thousands of rands if not addressed quickly. Here’s exactly what to do if you discover a burst pipe in your home.

Step 1: Turn Off Your Main Water Supply

This is the most critical step. Your main shut-off valve is usually located near your water meter or where the main water line enters your property. Turn it clockwise to shut off the water. Every second counts – a burst pipe can release hundreds of litres of water per hour.

Step 2: Switch Off Your Geyser

Turn off your geyser at the electrical mains to prevent damage to the heating element. Running a geyser without water can cause it to overheat and fail completely.

Step 3: Drain the Remaining Water

Open all cold water taps in your home to drain the remaining water from the pipes. This reduces pressure and minimises further leakage. Flush toilets to empty the cisterns as well.

Step 4: Locate the Burst

If safe to do so, try to identify where the burst has occurred. Look for wet patches on walls, ceilings, or floors. This information helps your plumber arrive prepared with the right materials.

Step 5: Call an Emergency Plumber

Contact Pro Flow Plumber Roodepoort immediately on 060 015 8956. We offer 24/7 emergency response and typically arrive within 45 minutes to 2 hours in the Roodepoort area.

While You Wait

Move furniture and valuables away from the affected area. Use towels, buckets, or mops to contain the water. If water is near electrical outlets, switch off power to that area at the mains.

How to Prevent Blocked Drains at Home

Blocked drains are one of the most common plumbing problems we see in Roodepoort homes. The good news? Most blockages are completely preventable with a few simple habits.

1. Never Pour Grease Down the Drain

Cooking oil, fat, and grease are the number one cause of kitchen drain blockages. When hot grease cools, it solidifies and sticks to pipe walls, trapping food particles and causing buildup. Instead, let grease cool in a container and dispose of it in the rubbish bin.

2. Use Drain Strainers

Inexpensive mesh strainers catch hair, food scraps, and debris before they enter your drains. Place them in kitchen sinks, bathroom basins, and shower drains. Clean them out regularly – it takes seconds and prevents major blockages.

3. Run Hot Water After Each Use

After using the sink, run hot water for 15-30 seconds. This helps flush soap residue and small particles through the pipes before they can accumulate.

4. Avoid Flushing Wipes

Even wipes labelled “flushable” don’t break down like toilet paper. They’re a leading cause of sewer blockages. Only flush human waste and toilet paper – nothing else.

5. Clean Drain Stoppers Weekly

Hair and soap scum accumulate on drain stoppers and plugs. Remove and clean them weekly to prevent buildup from washing down into your pipes.

6. Schedule Annual Professional Cleaning

Even with perfect habits, some buildup is inevitable. Annual professional drain cleaning removes accumulated deposits before they become blockages. It’s a small investment that prevents expensive emergency callouts.

Warning Signs of a Developing Blockage

Watch for slow-draining water, gurgling sounds, or unpleasant odours from drains. These early signs indicate a partial blockage that’s much easier to clear than a complete one.