A burst water pipe can wreak serious havoc and cause major damage to your home. Pipes may burst for many reasons, and they typically do so unexpectedly, so it’s important to know what to do if this situation ever happens to you. If a burst pipe goes unnoticed or continues to leak for an extended period, the damage only gets worse. Fortunately, the experts at Restorerz Emergency Services have compiled some important steps to take in case you ever have to deal with a burst water pipe in your home.
Shutting Off the Water Supply
So, what causes pipes to burst in the first place? Pipes may burst due to freezing temperatures, major blockages, unseen damage, or general wear and tear. Regardless of the cause, the first step you should take as soon as you notice a pipe has burst is to shut off your home’s main water supply.
Take these steps to shut off the water supply.
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| Step one | Locate the main shutoff valve, which is typically in a basement or crawlspace near the water meter, inside a valve access panel in your yard near the street, or near the water heater, under the kitchen sink, or in the laundry room. |
| Step two | Identify what kind of shutoff valve you have, which is typically either a gate valve (a wheel-shaped valve) or a ball valve (a valve with a handle). |
| Step three | Turn the valve clockwise to shut the water off if you have a gate valve, or turn it one-quarter if you have a ball valve. |
| Step four | Turn on a faucet to confirm that the water is now off after you shut off the valve (you should see a small trickle at first before no more water comes out). |
Assessing the Damage
Once your water is turned off, carefully assess the damage by looking around the area where the pipe burst. We highly recommend taking several photos or videos of the damage you see for insurance purposes later. Remember to carefully inspect the ceiling and walls, especially if the pipe was inside your walls or between the floors above you. Make detailed notes of all the damage that you see, including all water damage to your floors, walls, light fixtures, furniture, and other belongings.
Removing Water and Drying Out Affected Areas
The sooner you start removing excess water and begin drying out any affected areas, the less damage you’ll incur. The pros at Restorerz Emergency Services are available to help you restore your home to its original condition. However, there are some things you can do immediately to lessen the damage.
Follow these tips to help you speed up the drying process:
- Open all windows and doors to promote airflow and speed up drying time.
- Use a wet-dry vac, a mop, towels, and buckets to remove excess water from flooring like carpets or area rugs, and from any furniture that may have become wet.
- Turn on all of the ceiling fans in your home and use additional fans (like box fans or oscillating fans) to help dry out the affected area.
Salvaging Belongings and Property
Some of your personal belongings and parts of your property may be salvageable after a water pipe bursts. Before you go through these items, turn off the electricity to your home and remove all standing water.
If possible, take the damaged items outside to dry out or at least take them into another room, placing them on top of towels to let them dry indoors. Keep detailed records of all of the damaged items, such as artwork, furniture, electronics, and structural elements like the floors, walls, and electrical outlets.
Mold may start to grow on wet belongings, so it’s important to enlist the help of an experienced restoration company for safe removal and to prevent it from spreading further. If you’re in doubt about how to salvage your belongings correctly, let the pros at Restorerz Emergency Services handle it for you.
Dealing with Insurance
The insurance company will send a claims adjuster to your property to assess the damage, take photos, and determine how much money it will cost to repair your home and replace certain items that were damaged. Make sure you provide your insurance company with as much information as possible, including all receipts, photos, videos, and other proof to help speed up the claims approval process.
Conducting Repairs and Restoration
When you call the Restorerz Emergency Services team, we can start conducting the restoration process right away. Our certified team of professionals will determine the extent of water damage and start work using the most advanced tools and proven techniques.
The entire cleanup process is handled quickly with precision and care. We’ll thoroughly dry your home’s interior and remove all soaked or damaged items like carpets and padding to prevent further damage to your floors and other surfaces. All other belongings are carefully relocated and safely stored in a dry location before the restoration process begins.
Contact Restorerz 24/7 for Professional Water Damage Restoration
Safeguard your Southern California or Las Vegas area property and your well-being by reaching out to Restorerz Emergency Services today for professional water damage restoration. Our team is available 24/7 to deliver prompt and reliable solutions that give you peace of mind. If you’ve had a water pipe burst and need to schedule expert water damage restoration services, contact us today!