So, your pipe bursts. What do you do? Surprisingly, many homeowners don’t know the answer to that question. While it may seem like an unlikely occurrence, a burst pipe can lead to costly house damage that could destroy your personal possessions. That’s why it’s important to regularly seek plumbing services to prevent issues like this from occurring in the first place. That said, there are several measures you can take if you find yourself in this situation. Keep reading to learn about what you should do when a pipe bursts.

What Happens When a Pipe Bursts?

A pipe will burst because too much water is expanding from within it. Typically, this happens during the winter season from water that is frozen or close to being frozen. However, pipes may also burst if they become clogged or from high water pressure.

When a pipe bursts, water will flood into your home. It may come in through your floors, ceilings, or insulation. Depending on the severity of the burst pipe, this flooding may start off mild or come in at full force.

Signs a Pipe Burst in Your Home

You may be shocked to learn that many people don’t know if a pipe has burst within their home. Usually, a burst pipe causes very minor issues at first before any obvious evidence is visible.

Here are some things to watch out for that may indicate a pipe burst in your home.

• Change in water pressure
• Discolored water with an unpleasant odor
• Mold growth
• A rise  in water bills
• Odd noises from the walls
• Puddle formations

7 Steps You Should Follow When You Find a Burst Pipe or Broken Pipe

1. Turn off the Water

One of the most important things to do when a pipe bursts in your home is to turn off the water valve before any more possible damage could occur. It is also in your best interest to flush any toilets in the household and allow all faucets to run, so the burst pipe can properly drain.

2. Disconnect the Electrical System

Another key thing you will want to do when a pipe bursts is to disconnect the electrical system in your home. If for some reason the burst pipe has affected your electrical system, your home could face dangerous electrical damage. 

To do this, you will want to shut off the main electrical panel in your house.

3. Locate the Burst Pipe

While a trusted plumbing company should handle the root of the problem, it is helpful to find where the burst pipe is located. You will then want to seal off the leakage to prevent further damage from occurring and only turn on the water if absolutely necessary.

4. Call a Plumber and Water Damage Company

Calling a plumber and water damage company is the #1 priority to repair your burst pipe (unless you are someone with prior plumbing experience). A plumbing and water damage company will be able to repair the burst pipe and also pinpoint the reason it burst in the first place.

5. Call a Professional Water Damage Drying Company

It’s also important to call a professional water damage drying company if your home or possessions received any pipe burst water damage from the leak. Water damage that is left untreated can lead to harmful bacteria and mold growth, so it doesn’t hurt to have your home inspected just to be safe.

6. Inspect Any Affected Areas

After finding out you have a burst pipe, it’s always important to inspect and document any visible damage in your home. This will be extremely beneficial for an insurance claim. Take several photos or even videos of the damage at different angles.

7. If There’s Damage, Document It for an Insurance Claim

When it comes to documenting your insurance claim, be sure to provide all the photos and videos you took of the damage. The more proof you have, the better the outcome of your claim. It’s also a smart idea to save and document any conversations you’ve had with your plumbing company regarding your damage.

Call Northeast Power Dry for Water Damage Drying

If you need help restoring your home to what it was before it was affected by water damage, Northeast Power Dry is here to help. Our contractors will go above and beyond to take care of any burst pipe water damage as quickly and efficiently as possible. Currently, we provide services for the New Jersey townships of Bound Brook, Bridgewater, Edison, Plainfield, Piscataway, Woodbridge, Newark, Elizabeth, Lakewood, and New Brunswick. Contact us today using the form on our website or give us a call at 848-225-9692 for our water damage emergency services.