You’ve put a lot of time and effort into keeping your home in the best possible shape. But do you know what to do of a water pipe bursts suddenly?
Water damage can wreak havoc on a home and can be a pain to clean up. Acting quickly is key to minimizing damage and costs. Let’s look into what you should do if a pipe bursts.
First…Turn off the Water
So, you’ve noticed a leak in your home, and it’s not stopping. Your first step when dealing with a burst water pipe is to turn off the water. This should be the initial step, even if you have no idea where the water is coming from.
After you’ve shut off the water, you’ll need to drain your pipes. This is done by running cold water in each faucet and flushing the toilet. Then turn off your hot water heater and run the hot water. Once the water supply is drained, you will put an end to the leak.
Find the Burst Pipe
Now that the water’s off, you can find the burst pipe without risking more water accumulation. Take a look at the damage and side up the damage of the break.
If it’s a minor break, it may be possible to patch it using commercial tape. Breaks on large pipes will require more effort and the help of a professional. These pipes often lead to other connections, rather than serving as a single pipe.
Get Rid of the Water
Once the water is off and you’ve found the burst pipe, you’ll need to clean up any water that’s accumulated. This is essential and will help prevent mold growth.
Dry wet areas as thoroughly as possible and as quickly as possible. Doing so will prevent long-term, costly damage.
Call a Professional for Help
While there are things you can do in the interim to ensure that your home is thoroughly dried and free of water, you’ll want to call in the professionals.
A licensed, professional water restoration team will be able to remove water damage within your home. They have the equipment needed to do this thoroughly and to prevent mold and mildew from growing within your home.
Document Any Damage
If you have extensive damage, you’ll want to take photos of the area and throughout the process. This includes all items that were damaged and any water lines.
Don’t wait. You should file a claim as soon as you notice that you have a leak.
Now You’ll Be Prepared if a Water Pipe Bursts
If a water pipe bursts in your home, follow the steps above to act quickly and to reduce the chances of bad water damage. While there are things you can do yourself, you’ll want to call a professional to analyze the damage and ensure there are no lasting issues.
If you’re looking for an expert in water damage, get in touch with us today and see how we can help.