A difficult home owner issue we never want to deal with: water pipe bursts! A burst pipe can bring your life to a grinding halt and make your home practically unlivable. Those are just a few of the reasons why you must immediately take action as soon as you notice any issues with your plumbing system.
4 ways to keep yourself safe if your water pipe bursts
Here is a quick look at a few steps that you can take to keep your family and belongings safe after a pipe has burst.
Shut Off the Water and Electricity
The first thing to do as soon as you notice any major problems with your plumbing system: turn off your home’s water and power. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity, and you must be careful if there is any water near your plugs or outlets. When you first move into a new home or condo, you should always locate the water shutoff valve and breaker box.
Hire a Plumber
The next step: contact a local plumber who specializes in emergency repairs. Depending on what type of damage has occurred, a plumber might be able to fix the pipe in just a few hours. If the pipe is located under your home or out in your yard, the plumber might need to demo some of your home. Before hiring a plumber, always ask for their license number and proof of insurance.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
In most cases, homeowners’ insurance covers burst pipes. However, you must notify your insurance provider as quickly as possible. Some insurance companies have clauses in their policies requiring clients to notify them of any claims within a few days. Once you contact the insurance company, they’ll most likely send a representative to your home to assess the damage. During that assessment, notify the claims adjuster of any personal possessions damaged or destroyed.
Look for Mold
Even if the leak is relatively small, you must still contact a mold remediation specialist. A slow leak can waste hundreds of gallons of water per month, and that moisture might result in fungus, mildew, or black mold. Mold spores usually thrive in enclosed areas surrounded by organic materials such as: wood beams or cellulose insulation. You could have black mold inside your walls affecting your health without your awareness.
In order to prevent one of these catastrophes, you should try to have your plumbing system inspected at least once or twice a year. During those inspections, the plumber will be able to catch any minor issues that might result in major damage down the road.
Author bio: Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from Utah. She enjoys Tennis and spending time with her family.
