Below freezing weather is the most common cause of water pipes bursting, although any number of other mishaps can also cause pipes to burst. Whatever the cause, there are several things you need to do in the wake of your water pipes bursting. Here is a basic action plan to cope with the aftermath.
What Do You Do When a Pipe Bursts?
Over 50 million American families experience a burst pipe every year. It doesn’t take much damage to cause a lot of trouble; a pipe with just a hairline crack can release hundreds of gallons of water per day. Therefore, the key to controlling a burst pipe is fast action in order to stop the flooding.
1. Shut Off the Water Supply
The most urgent action to take in response to a pipe that is spewing water is to cut off the supply. That means using the primary switch to shut down the main water supply to your home. If the water pouring into your house is hot water, then also shut the valve leading to the hot water heater. If there is a lot of water spilled and there are nearby electrical outlets, it may be smart to also turn off the electricity.
2. Mitigate the Damage
Once you’ve successfully stopped the flow of water, you should then take fast action to prevent the flooding from causing further destruction. Immediately begin moving any items under threat of water damage to a safer location. Any electronics and luxury items should be hoisted up onto tables and higher surfaces.
3. Arrange Your Claim
Contact your insurance company so that they can evaluate the situation and determine if you are entitled to financial compensation.
4. Call the Professionals
Once you’ve dealt with the immediate crisis, you should immediately call a plumber to repair or replace the damaged pipes. When the system has been restored to working condition, you will also need to have remaining water damage repaired. For any repair work, hire an experienced general contractor like Copper Creek Construction in Las Vegas, NV at 702-898-7873.
