In every home, the plumbing system controls the water flow between the main supply and the various fixtures throughout the property. A burst pipe can happen for multiple reasons, including freezing temperatures, invasive tree roots, physical damage, and aging materials.
For example, when temperatures are below freezing, water expands inside the pipes, putting pressure on them and causing them to break. When you face a leaky or broken pipe, taking swift action is key to saving your home.
Immediate Actions After a Pipe Bursts
As soon as you discover a burst pipe in your home, you must act quickly to lessen the damage. Here are the steps to follow immediately after the pipe bursts.
Shut Off the Water Supply
First, locate and shut off the main water supply to your home to stop the flow of water. If the burst pipe is isolated, you can shut off the single supply valve that controls it. However, it would be safer to cut off the water pressure entirely by finding the primary valve in the basement.
Turn Off Electricity
Water and electricity should never mix. You could risk a serious electrical shock or fire if the two meet. Find your breaker and shut off electricity in the affected area to ensure the safety of everyone in your home.
Assess the Damage
A careful assessment of the damaged area will help you identify potential solutions. How far did the water spread before the supply was shut off? Are there potential hazards because of where the water is collected? Note the affected areas to plan your restoration efforts or to inform a contractor.
Document the Damage
A burst pipe is typically covered by homeowners insurance, so you must document the damage in great detail. Take photos and videos of the damage to include in your insurance claim. This evidence will support your case for compensation to cover the cost of repairs.
Mitigating Water Damage
Whether the water damage was caused by frozen pipes, exposed pipes, or aging materials, this problem can be difficult to overcome. Water quickly ruins many materials, including drywall, concrete, upholstery, wood, and more. You must take immediate steps to mitigate the damage.
Remove Standing Water
Once you’ve stopped the water leak, removing standing water becomes the top priority. Use mops, towels, wet/dry vacuums, or pumps to clear water from your home.
Dry Affected Areas
You can dry out the affected area by keeping your windows and doors open to increase ventilation. Fans and dehumidifiers should be used to extract moisture from the surfaces and air. You can even employ warm air from a hair dryer to blow heat on specific spots. The sooner you dry out the space, the better your chances of preventing mold growth.
Salvage Belongings
Some items that come into contact with water, such as furniture, electronics, and other valuables, are salvageable. Remove these items from the room and air-dry them outside. If these possessions are not properly dried and cleaned, the water smell can be unpleasant.
Contact Your Insurance Company
When cold weather, tree roots, or other circumstances cause water damage in crawl spaces, basements, or other rooms in the house, insurance can help cover the repair costs. Contacting your insurance carrier as soon as possible will help you receive compensation to cover these expenses.
Review Your Policy
Before you contact the carrier, review your homeowners insurance policy. Look for covered perils related to water damage. You should understand the extent of your policy before talking to an agent or filing a claim online.
Report the Claim Promptly
The sooner you file your claim, the better. Processing claims can take time, and you don’t want to be stuck with a damaged home while you wait for the money to invest in repairs for the burst pipe.
Document the Damage for Your Claim
Remember to document the damage before contacting your insurance carrier. The claims adjuster will need image and video proofs of the damage to evaluate your claim. Your documentation should also include repair estimates from water restoration contractors.
Hiring a Water Damage Restoration Company
When a burst pipe causes extensive damage to your home, you should rely on professional restoration services to restore your home to its pre-loss condition.
Benefits of Professional Help
When people have plumbing problems, they call a plumber. If you are facing water damage in your home, your first call should be to a restoration company. They have the expertise and specialized equipment needed to fix your home and prevent further damage.
Finding a Reputable Company
Sometimes, homeowners wonder which restoration company is the best fit for their needs. Research the licensing for local companies, search for reviews, or ask your network for reputable references.
What to Expect During the Restoration Process
The water damage restoration process involves many steps. When the professionals come in to repair your home after a burst pipe, they will implement water extraction, drying, dehumidification, and reconstruction methods.
Can You Prevent Future Pipe Bursts?
Some simple tricks can help you prevent burst pipes in the future. Pipes often burst when water freezes, so consider insulating them, especially in cold rooms. You can also replace old copper pipes with newer materials to prevent corrosion.
Schedule inspections with a professional plumber. Keep up with maintenance for the water heater and other appliances. Unclog your bathroom sink and shower drain frequently. These tips can prevent potential pipe bursts, helping you avoid high water bills and expensive repairs.
Contact a Professional Water Damage Mitigation Company
PacWest Restoration provides comprehensive cleaning and repairs for water-damaged homes. Whether a burst pipe has ruined your walls or flooded the basement, our team has the equipment and experience to save your home and possessions. Call us today at 503-746-6545 or complete the online form for a free assessment.
