When it comes to water damage, timing is everything. Acting promptly can save you from thousands in repairs and potential health hazards, so being prepared is one of the best things you can do to protect yourself against it. That’s why preparing yourself to act fast if a pipe bursts is crucial.
Burst pipes are more common than you think, and while you can never be fully “ready” for these kinds of accidents, it’s good to know the steps you should take to minimize the damage to your home.
Here’s what you should do if a pipe bursts:
- Turn Off the Water Line. First things first, turn off the main supply of water. It will ensure that no new water is added to your pipes, which could exacerbate the leak even more. Dealing with existing water already in the pipes will minimize the amount of water you’re working with. The water line is typically located under your kitchen sink.
- Drain Your Pipes. After you turn off the water line, get the water in your pipes out safely. Flush toilets, turn on sink faucets and let the water run until the supply dries to take some pressure off the pipes and ensure they are dry so no more water can leak through the bust pipe.
- Identify the Leak. Locate the pipe that has burst and where on the line it’s burst. In most cases, finding the pipe will be relatively easy (just look for water!), but finding the actual crack in the pipe may be more difficult. Once you have found it, do your best to prevent more damage by sealing the leak with silicone tape, electrical tape, or epoxy putty.
- Make sure you don’t forget to document everything. Take pictures of the affected pipe and any water damage that may have occurred from the leak. It will be enormously helpful when you call your insurance company, as you’ll need evidence to support your claim. Remember, the more photos, the better!
- After you’ve taken pictures of the damage, clean the water to the best of your ability. The sooner you tend to the mess, the less damage will occur. You’ll also save yourself from a severe mold problem if you remove the water quickly! Get things dry as much as you can, then…
- Call a Professional. Call a plumber to fix the burst pipe and a restoration service to help you care for the rest of the water damage. It’s always best to call in a professional to ensure you’re properly handling everything.
RestoRite Water Restoration specializes in handling your water damage-related emergencies. We offer 24-hour emergency water extraction services trusted by thousands of homeowners. Our professionals work directly with you and your insurance company to return your home to a safe and dry environment as quickly as possible!
Visit our website to learn more, or call (910) 957-6690 to get started today!
Sources:
https://callrestorite.com/services/
https://williamscomfortair.com/knowledge-center/burst-pipe-problems-indianapolis/