Do you know what to do if you have a busted pipe?

4/15/2022 (Permalink)

A burst pipe is something that can come about suddenly, which means it often catches homeowners off-guard when it happens. In addition to this, having a burst pipe can cause significant amounts of damage, especially if it occurred inside of a wall or in a finished basement, which is often the case.

Water damage is something that none of us hope to experience, but it does happen more frequently than many people think. Around one out of every 50 homes experience water damage in a year, but many people do not have a plan in place to handle it. Acting quickly after water damage is key, so it is vital to know what to do if you are surprised by a burst pipe in your home.

Steps to Take If a Pipe Bursts in Your Home

Shut off your water main. Depending on the pipe that bursts, there will often be water gushing from it continually as it drains, so knowing how to find and shut off your water main is important. Only shut off your water if it is safe to do so.

Shut off your electricity. If it is safe to get to your circuit breaker, shut off the electricity in the home. This will ensure that the water cannot interact with any outlets or electrical supplies and cause secondary issues in the home.

Contact your restoration company. Getting in touch with your chosen restoration company as quickly as possible is a great way to expedite the restoration and prevent secondary damages from occurring. Be sure to choose a company that will be there for you at any hour, as burst pipes are never on anyone’s schedule.

Take a record of the damages. Taking photos, videos and inventory of what is damaged can help you and your insurance company as you work to recover from the water damage. Be sure you thoroughly document all that has been impacted by the water for your records.

Contact your insurance company. While your coverage will vary depending on the details of your policy, contacting your insurance provider is the only way to know exactly what your coverage extends to.

Open windows and doors if possible. Weather permitting and as long as it is safe to do so, open up the windows and doors of the impacted area to create airflow and help the water evaporate more quickly.

If you have water damage in your home due to a burst pipe or another cause, you can count on us for restoration assistance.