If you have water damage due to a burst pipe, there are several important steps you should take immediately. Turn off the water main to prevent more water from pouring into the affected area. If you can, contact your insurance company, as standard homeowners insurance policies typically cover water damage from a burst pipe. Once you find out what caused the pipe to burst, contact your insurance company to schedule repairs and determine your liability.
Regardless of the cause, a burst pipe can be disastrous for a home. Even if you don’t live in an apartment building or condo, a pipe can break in a cold snap and spill hundreds of gallons of water every hour. Not only does it cause extensive damage, but it can also lead to mold growth and other health problems. Fortunately, Water Damage can help restore a home after a pipe burst.
To minimize the damage, you should raise the temperature in the affected area. This will help dry the area and may prevent mold from developing. You may need to remove any damaged materials from the affected area. You can call a local plumber if you don’t have a specialized company. But if you haven’t found a local plumber yet, there are some preventative measures you can take to avoid a burst pipe in the first place. Remember to drain swimming pools and sprinkler systems according to their installation instructions.
Once the water has cooled, you should check for signs of mold. In addition, you should make sure that your water valve is shut off. A burst pipe can leak up to 400 liters of water per hour, equivalent to two bathtubs full of water. If you’ve experienced a burst pipe, you’ll likely be inspired to take additional precautions to protect your home. Below are some things you should do when a pipe bursts in your home.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Some insurance companies have deadlines for filing claims. The longer water stays, the more likely it is to grow mold and cause long-term damage to your property. Your insurance company might reject your claim if it is too late to file for it. Make sure you file a claim within 48 hours of the water damage occurrence. There is a three-day statutory deadline for homeowners to contact their insurance companies, and you should contact a public adjuster as soon as possible.
To document the damage caused by a burst pipe, it’s important to find the source of the leak. If the source is hidden in a wall, an experienced repair person can locate it and fix the damaged part. You may want to hire a water mitigation company to document the damages. Your insurance company can help you locate a contractor to clean the area. If you’re worried about water damage, contact your insurance company; they can help you get back on your feet.
You can still turn off the electricity and the water supply if you can’t access your home’s main water shutoff valve. The water shutoff valve is usually located in the basement or crawl space. Check under sinks, near water heaters, and any metal lids on the property. Drain the cold taps first. If there’s no sign of a burst pipe, you can still do some cleanup yourself, but it’s crucial to get it taken care of immediately.
While large puddles of water are the most obvious sign of a bursting pipe, other indicators may indicate a burst pipe. These include a noticeable change in water bills. A monthly water bill should be consistent, and if the bill starts to increase continuously, you may be dealing with a leak. If you find any of these signs, contact your insurance company immediately.
If you have homeowner’s insurance, you may have coverage for water damage resulting from a burst pipe. Unlike standard homeowner’s insurance, your insurance agent will also consider the damage caused by a burst pipe when determining the amount of coverage available. Your policy may cover the cost of temporary housing while you clean up the water-damaged area. Additionally, you may have additional coverage for boarding your pet, which will help you avoid additional living expenses.
The water from a burst pipe can damage both interior and exterior walls. If the pipes were located on the first floor, water might seep into the walls and ceiling, which may ruin insulation and electrical wiring and increase the fire risk. Water can also damage structural components of a house, affecting carpeting and other floorings. As a result, you should call a professional immediately if you suspect a burst pipe has caused water damage to your home.