5 Things You Must Do When A Pipe Bursts
1/23/2023 (Permalink)
When a pipe bursts, you need to act quickly and accurately in order to avoid further damage or costly repairs. The following steps will help guide you through the process of repairing your burst pipe and restoring your home back to normal.
Step 1: Turn off the water supply.
The first step to take after a pipe burst is to shut off the water supply in your home. This prevents any more water from leaking out and causing further damage to your home or business.
Turn off the main valve in your home that controls the main water line. If you can't do this, turn off any valves close to where the pipe burst occurred. If you cannot find the water valves in your home, contact a professional immediately; they will be able to turn off both hot and cold water pipes as soon as possible.
Step 2: Turn off the power source.
Once you have turned off the water supply, turn off the power source to the entire house. If you don’t know how to turn off your home’s main breaker or fuse box, call an electrician. Doing so will prevent any damage to sockets, circuits, or breaker boxes. This can also prevent injury to people present on your property.
Step 3: Locate the burst pipe.
The next step is to locate the affected pipe. If you have been fortunate enough to witness your burst pipe firsthand, you should be able to easily locate it by looking for wet spots or stains on the floor.
If you do not see any evidence of a burst pipe and are experiencing water damage in your home, there might be one hidden somewhere. Check for signs of water coming out of a wall, ceiling, or basement/attic. Also, look out for water stains on the drywall in your home.
Step 4: Call a professional for water cleanup and restoration.
When it comes to water damage, a professional has the knowledge, expertise, and equipment necessary to restore your property. They will be able to clean up the mess and repair any damage caused by a burst pipe.
Step 5: File an insurance claim.
Next, you need to make a claim with your insurance company. Make sure you document all the damage by taking photos and gathering any other documents related to your claim. When you work with a company like SERVPRO of Highlands Ranch/NW Douglas County, they can take care of the entire claims process for you. This can be a huge relief as you are dealing with the aftermath of a pipe burst.
Breaking down the steps can help you stay calm and focused.
When dealing with an emergency like a burst pipe, it's easy to get overwhelmed by feelings of anxiety, stress, and frustration. However, if you can remain objective and follow these basic steps, your loss will be taken care of in no time.
It’s important to remember that a burst pipe can cause a lot of damage, and you don’t want to be stuck cleaning up the mess on your own. If you notice leaks or other signs of water damage in your home, contact SERVPRO professionals immediately.