You are home on a quiet Sunday evening when you hear a strange noise. It sounds like rain, but you know it is not raining outside. You walk toward the sound and find water pouring from a crack in the ceiling in the hallway. Your heart starts pounding. A burst pipe can send gallons of water into your house in a matter of minutes. The first ten minutes are the most important. You need a plan.
Your first job is to stop the water. Do not waste time grabbing towels or moving furniture. Every second the water keeps flowing makes the damage worse. Find your home’s main water shut-off valve. In most houses in Southern California, it is located near the street in a concrete box, or close to the water heater in the garage or laundry room. Turn it clockwise until it stops. If the valve is stuck or you cannot find it, call a neighbor or a plumber right away. The main thing is to stop the flow.
Once the water is off, think about electricity. Water and electricity are a dangerous mix. If the water has reached any electrical outlets, appliances, or cords, do not step into the standing water. Go to your breaker box and shut off the power to the affected rooms. If you are unsure how to do this safely, or if the water is deep, wait for a professional. Your safety comes before saving your furniture.
Now you have stopped the water and the power is safe. The next step is to call a water damage restoration crew in Southern California. Do not try to handle the drying yourself with fans and towels. A burst pipe causes hidden damage inside walls and under floors. Mold can start growing within 24 hours. A professional crew has industrial pumps and dehumidifiers. They can pull the water out of your carpets, your drywall, and your subfloor. They will also check for signs of mold and structural rot. The sooner they arrive, the better.
While you wait, you can do a few things to help. Open windows and doors to let air circulate. Move any furniture or belongings out of the wet area if you can do it safely. Place aluminum foil or plastic wrap under furniture legs to keep them from staining the wet carpet. Take pictures of the damage for your insurance claim. Do not throw anything away yet. Your insurance adjuster will want to see everything.
After the professionals arrive, they will assess the damage and start the drying process. This can take several days. They will remove any wet drywall and flooring that cannot be saved. They will set up drying equipment and monitor the moisture levels until your home is dry. Then the repairs begin. A good water damage company in Southern California will also help you coordinate with your insurance company.
The key to surviving a burst pipe is acting fast and knowing what to do. You cannot panic. You need to shut off the water, cut the power, call the pros, and start the drying process right away. If you have never located your main water valve, find it today. It could save your home tomorrow.
A closer look is at what to do after a pipe burst.
