What’s a supply line? It’s a pipe that carries the fresh water into your home’s plumbing system. Supply lines are connected to your toilet, washing machine, dishwasher, sink and other appliances that require a water source (like a refrigerator ice machine). If a supply line bursts or breaks you will have a disaster on your hands in a matter of minutes. Water moves quickly and it will flood your home and cause extensive water damage. If it’s not quickly mitigated then you will face the threat of mold growth.
How Does a Broken Supply Line Happen? What Do I Do?
Broken supply lines can occur due to corrosion or age of your supply line. Other ways your supply line may burst is due to high water pressure, freezing temperatures, or improper installation. Doing nothing is not an option. A broken supply line can lead to structural damage of your home or business, mold growth, and expensive repairs.
Your first step is to act fast and shut off the water then call First In Restoration (470.748.0225). This is very important in minimizing the damages and cost associated with water damage.
How Quickly Can Water Damage Occur?
A broken supply line can release gallons of water per minute. The amount of water that floods your space is dependent on your water pressure as well as the size of the rupture. But even a tiny hole creates massive damage. Within just a few minutes, you may notice water pooling on floors, soaking into the walls, and spreading throughout your home. In less than an hour, water can begin seeping into sub-flooring, drywall and insulation causing havoc and structural damage. The situation gets worse the longer the water damage sits.
The Risk of Mold Growth
Mold LOVES moist environments. After a supply line break, it doesn’t take long for nasty mold to develop. Here’s a general timeline:
24 to 48 hours: Mold spores begin growing in damp areas.
72 hours: Visible mold colonies can start forming on walls, floors, and ceilings.
1 week or more: Mold can spread significantly, which creates health risks to your family and pets. This will take extensive remediation and will be costly.
Older Homes Are at Greater Risk
If you live in an older home, your risk of a supply line failure is even higher. Older homes have aging pipes, outdated building materials and worn-out connectors that can weaken over time. If your home was built in 1988, chances are the pipes are all of the building materials are the same age. Supply lines made of older materials like rubber or metal are especially prone to burst because they become corroded and worn out. Additionally, homes with outdated plumbing systems may not have an easy to reach shut-off valve, making it harder to stop the flow of water in an emergency. Fortunately if you’re in a newer home the code is typical up to date but depending on how fast and sloppy the builders were, you may still be prone to an accident.
What to Do If Your Supply Line Breaks
🚨 React fast to minimize damage! 🚨
Shut off the water supply immediately. If possible, locate and turn off the main water shut-off valve to stop further flooding.
Call First In Restoration for emergency water extraction and mitigation services.
Begin removing excess water using towels, mops, or a wet/dry vacuum while waiting for professionals to arrive, but only if it’s in a safe area and not near a hazard such as electricity.
Contact your insurance provider to report the damage and begin the claims process. We can assist you in filing a claim.
Protect Your Home Before Disaster Strikes
To reduce the risk of supply line failures:
Regularly inspect supply lines for wear and tear, corrosion, or bulging places.
Replace older rubber or plastic supply lines with braided stainless steel alternatives.
Install automatic water shut-off valves to prevent catastrophic flooding.
Know where your main water shut-off valve is located in case of emergencies.
At First In Restoration, we know that every second counts when dealing with a water emergency. Whether you’re facing a supply line break or any other water damage disaster, our team is first in the fight for your home.
📞 Call First In Restoration 24/7 at 470.748.0225 for emergency water restoration services in Loganville, Gwinnett, Walton, Barrow, Hall County and beyond!
