Imagine coming home after a busy day, ready to relax, only to find your floors look like a shallow kiddy pool. A water pipe bursts is every homeowner’s nightmare. Water can cause extensive and costly damage if left unattended. Luckily, there are a few temporary fixes you can do to remedy the situation.
Here are five actions to take when a pipe bursts:
1. Shut Off the Water
The first step you should take when dealing with a burst pipe is to shut off the water. This helps reduce the amount of water damage your home experiences. Your home’s main shutoff valve is probably located in the basement, in the crawl space, or near your water heater. Once you have turned off the water, open the faucets to drain the remaining water inside your pipes. This will help reduce the pressure in your piping system and prevent other areas from freezing. Also, flush all the toilets. When the water stops running from the taps, all leaks will stop. Also, depending on the location and size of the leak, you may need to shut off the electricity in your home to prevent electrocution. However, avoid wading into pooling water with the power on. If the water is blocking your way to the breaker box, find the main shutoff on the exterior of your house or contact an electrician immediately.
2. Identify the Burst Pipe
Your next step should be finding where the burst pipe has occurred to prevent further damage. While large breaks can be apparent, smaller damaged pipes can be more challenging to locate. Search for bulging ceilings, puddles of water under the sink or on the floor, and other signs of water damage. If you find the leak, place a bucket underneath to collect the dripping water. If the crack is tiny, patching it may address the problem temporarily. But if the damage has occurred in the main water pipe, you need to seek professional help to address it, irrespective of the size or cause of the leak.
3. Call a Plumbing Professional
Once you have contained the situation, call in a plumbing professional to handle the repairs. Inform the experts about the location of the damaged pipe and the severity of the damage, and let them know about the measures you have already taken to handle the situation. Although this is a plumbing emergency, it’s best to take your time to ensure you’re hiring the best team for the job. In such circumstances, it’s easy to panic and contact any plumber you can think of, but you might regret it later. Be sure to go through the reviews and ratings, and get estimates from several licensed, insured, and reputable plumbing contractors.
4. Document the Damage
To be cautious, you’ll want to ensure you’ve documented all the damages. Take several videos and photos of the affected areas, along with broken water lines. Use a measuring tape to illustrate water levels, and then back up to take pictures at various angles, indicating the areas where the damage has occurred. Save these videos and photos for your records and share them with the claims adjustors. Documenting the damage for your insurance claim is like recording a crime scene; the more pictures you have, the easier it’ll be to prove the damages. Also, contact your insurance company to file a claim within the shortest time possible. Enquire if they want to send a representative to evaluate the damages or if the video and photo documentation will be enough. It’s imperative to ensure that your claim has been appropriately filed before you start any repairs or cleanup.
5. Contact a Professional Water Restoration Company
Once water damage occurs, you generally have a three-day window until mold starts growing, so it’s best to contact reputable restoration contractors in Denver or near your area to help clean up the mess. A reputable water restoration contractor can also provide construction restoration services to restore your home to normal within no time.
Dealing with a burst pipe can seem overwhelming, but taking these steps can help you address the issue quickly and resume your daily routine. All you have to do is to remain calm, assess the situation, and act quickly. With some professional help, you’ll have your damaged pipe fixed and your home restored into shape within a short time.
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