What to do if you Experience a Broken Pipe
When you have been in your home or business for some time, there are certain emergencies that are bound to occur. Unfortunately, broken pipes can be one of these. Broken pipes are one of the most common culprits of water damage. A broken pipe that is not taken care of properly can cause serious damage to your home. So, once you realize that you have a pipe burst, what do you do next? Don’t worry, we have it covered, stay calm and follow the steps below.
TURN OFF THE WATER
The first thing you need to do is to shut off your water. You will want to do this right away to prevent further water damage. Before you do so you must locate your main service pipe. This could be located under your kitchen sink, near your water heater or outside at a water meter. If you are unsure or cannot locate yours, the best thing to do is call a plumber immediately.
TURN OFF THE POWER TO THE AFFECTED AREA
As a safety precaution, turn off the power to the area where the pipe leaked. Keep away from all sources of electricity near the area, since water can leak through light switches and sockets. Safety is the number one priority.
LOCATE THE LEAK AND CLEAN EXCESS WATER
Locate where the pipe burst. You may have a tiny little crack that you can patch, or it may be too large for you to handle yourself. If you have a small water leak, clean up the water in the area as quickly as you can. Move any contents or furniture that is in the area away so they are not damaged.
CALL A PROFESSIONAL
If your broken pipe has caused a large water leak or any flooding, call a water restoration company immediately. You will need a professional who can properly handle the situation. You will also want to call a plumber to replace or repair the broken pipe. Sometimes taking things into your own hands is not always the best idea and can cause further damage. Water damage claims increase substantially if prompt action is not taken to contain the damage.
MAKE AN INSURANCE CLAIM
Call your insurance company promptly. You agent will walk you through the additional steps you need to take. Most likely your water damage will be covered and you will want to report it right away. You may need to take pictures and document any damaged areas or items.
Should you experience this type of water emergency, please know that ServiceMaster Quality Restoration is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Our quick response reduces your suffering and saves you money.
The cleaning professionals at ServiceMaster Quality Restoration use advanced products, procedures, and equipment to assure the highest level of cleaning performance and protection for property and furnishings. Call us at (704) 324-8528.
