When a pipe bursts in your home, it won't happen at a convenient time. In most cases, the sudden inundation come as a total surprise and the first response is a feeling of helplessness. To minimize water damage to possessions and property, it's important to move past that stage ASAP and take proactive steps. The quicker you react to this unplanned event, the less complicated eventual recovery will be.
Here are some suggestions for if/when a pipe bursts in your home.
- Don't search for the source " Avoid wasting critical moments trying to pinpoint the exact location of the rupture. If it's a typical water supply line, you won't be able to make any sort of quick fix to stop the flow anyhow.
- Shut off the water " Know where the main water shutoff is and how to operate it. Immediately upon seeing evidence of a burst pipe, shut off all the water to the house at the main valve.
- Now call the plumber " You need professional help quickly, so don't delay summoning a plumber. Don't try to assess the damage yourself or take DIY measures.
- Stay out of flooded areas " Water inundation from a ruptured pipe produces several hazards. There's a severe danger of electrocution as water contacts AC outlets and wiring. In addition, depending on the location and source of the breakage, some of the water itself may be toxic with biohazards or other health threats.
- Contact water damage recovery professionals " The aftermath of a water pipe burst begins quickly. Active mold starts growing within hours, spilled water seeps deeper into the structure of the home, and saturated possessions begin to deteriorate. Get a water damage response team to the scene ASAP.
For more steps to take when a pipe bursts, contact the water damage experts at Rytech.
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