Pipe Break Plan
2/20/2023 (Permalink)
If your water pipe breaks, you have to do some quick thinking and action. Your first step should be calling your water service provider as soon as possible, but there are other steps you can take while you're waiting for them to arrive.
Call your water service provider.
The first thing you should do after a pipe has broken is call your water service provider. They will be able to tell you where the break occurred, as well as give an estimate for repairs. You can also ask if they have a 24 hour emergency service available and what it would cost to repair the pipe. In addition, ask them if they can provide temporary water supply until repairs are made or if there's another way around this problem (like getting access to another source).
Shut off the water supply to the broken pipe.
Shut off the water supply to the broken pipe. If you can't shut off the water supply, call your water service provider. Turn off the main valve. Turn off both handles on your faucet(s), then turn on another faucet in your house (to let air into pipes). After turning off the water supply open cabinets doors, under sinks or behind toilets until you find where your main valve is located.
Seal off the area to prevent further damage.
Seal off the area to prevent further damage. Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove excess water and a shop vac to suck up any remaining water in the pipe. Cover the area with plastic sheeting, then seal it with duct tape. This will help keep out airborne debris that could cause additional damage as well as protect your home from mold growth in case there's any moisture left behind inside of your walls or ceiling structure after everything has dried out completely
Remove any property that has been damaged by water.
Once you have identified the source of the leak, it's time to remove any property that has been damaged by water. Remove anything that is wet or has been damaged by water, including carpeting and drywall. Dry out the area as much as possible before removing anything else.
Remove any damaged items such as furniture or appliances and throw them out. If something is salvageable, put it in a safe place until repairs are complete. If there are spills on your flooring (such as food), clean them up immediately so they don't become permanent stains.
Water damage restoration professional
After a pipe break, the most important thing to do is get a water damage restoration company to clean up the mess. There are many things to consider when choosing a company and determining if they're right for your job. A good restoration company will offer a free estimate on how much it will cost to clean up your home or business after a flood or other water damage incident.
Experienced technicians who know what they're doing (and won't make any mistakes). It's tempting when hiring someone else because of how busy we all are these days--but remember that this is one area where saving money isn't worth risking quality results!
Give SERVPRO a call at the first sign of pipe break or water damage to your property. We are available to help 24/7 and provide experienced and knowledgeable technicians with the right equipment for any size water loss.