Hello, my name is Lelani O’Malley. Welcome to my website about keeping your plumbing system in great shape. When I bought my first home, I was shocked to learn that it was built in the early 1900s. Another shocking discovery awaited as I learned that the plumbing system remained from its original build. Upon learning those facts, I dedicated my time to learning how to keep that system in great condition. I developed this website to bring that knowledge to you as well. I want to help all my readers maintain their existing plumbing system for years to come. Thank you for coming by.
Dos And Don'ts To Follow When You Come Home To A Major Plumbing Leak
Coming home to find that water has been pouring out of a large pipe is sure to leave you feeling stunned. Things you own and love are floating in the water, and bills from water damage repair companies flash before your eyes. What should you do in such a situation? To start with, follow these dos and don'ts.
Do: Try to turn the water main off.
Hopefully you know where your main water valve is. This is the big valve that turns off the water supply to your entire home. Venture towards the water main, and turn it to stop the flow of water. This will stop any additional water from flowing into your home.
Don't: Walk into electrified water.
If the water has reached the level of the electrical sockets or there is an electrical appliance immersed in the water, do not walk through that water until you are able to turn the power off. You can either turn the water off at the breaker if you can reach it without walking though water, or call the electrical company and have them turn off your service. Verify that the power has been turned off in your home by plugging a lamp into a socket. Only once you are certain the power is off should you venture into the water.
Do: Call an emergency plumber.
As soon as you have turned off the water main, give an emergency plumber a call. Someone who is open and available 24/7 is your best bet. The sooner you call, the better. They can put you in touch with a water damage restoration company. Your plumber and the restoration company will work together to fix the pipe and also repair the damage.
Don't: Stay in the home.
Your home won't have any power for a while, and there will be water damage and mold growth that could prove dangerous for your health. Arrange to stay with a friend, or make reservations at a hotel.
Do: Call your homeowners insurance company.
In most cases, the damage caused by a burst pipe will be covered by your homeowners insurance. However, you need to let them know about the damage in a timely manner in order for them to cover it. They may send an adjuster out to assess the damage before your repair team and plumber start making any major changes. In other situations, you may be asked to just photograph the damage before work begins.