When you think about harsh winters, what's the first thing that comes to mind? You might think about the various aspects of home defense to make sure that your home isn't susceptible to snow or blizzards or even staying warm without breaking the bank. However, these aren't the only threats that you may face during winter. When temperatures are cold enough, they could freeze the water in your pipes, causing a buildup in pressure that makes way for the pipes to burst. If you haven't faced this issue before, what are you supposed to do in a situation like this? Here's some advice on what to do when a pipe bursts in your home and who to turn to to make sure that the situation is remedied as quickly as possible.
1. Turn Off the Water Main
When a pipe bursts, the water that is escaping from the affected pipe is going to keep running unless you turn off the water main in your home. The water main is typically located in the basement of your home, outside near the foundation of your home, or even in a closet. Turn the knob located on the water main and make sure that your water is off. This will prevent any more water from flooding into your home from the busted pipe. The sooner you act, the better your chances will be to prevent more serious damage from happening to your home.
2. Reach Out to a Plumber
Reversing the damage means repairing the pipe, which most homeowners will not know how to do themselves. Don't worry, when a pipe bursts in your home, you can reach out to a plumber to get them over to your house ASAP so they can take care of the issue. If you're in a severe storm, you might have to wait just a little longer before they'll be able to safely get to your home. In this instance, making sure that you pay close attention to the additional tips provided below can make all the difference in what happens next after your pipe bursts.
3. Start Trying to Get Rid of the Water
It's important to get rid of the water as quickly as possible so that it doesn't settle and cause wood rot, mildew mold, and other issues that can be equally difficult and expensive to solve. But how? Using towels to soak up the water, using buckets or vacuums equipped to absorb water and expel it, and finding other unique solutions can be great ways to start tackling the problem before more damage takes place. If there are areas you're unable to clean yourself, reach out to water removal professionals to help you address the problem.
4. Figure Out How to Dry Off Wet Items or Areas
The faster that you dry off affected areas, the better the outlook of your home will be. Make sure to start drying any materials you used to remove water as soon as possible (such as throwing wet towels in the dryer). Use heating devices to dry affected blankets or furniture, and make sure that there's plenty of heat and air moving into the rooms where the water accumulated most. It can take some time to get everything dry, so don't panic if things aren't handled instantly.
5. Reach Out to Your Insurance to File a Claim
Burst pipes are quite common, and they may cause serious issues to your home that will require expensive fixes. Reach out to your insurance to let them know about the damage to your home and any personal belongings so that you're covered.
Need Help? Gaceta Plumbing Has Your Back
A burst pipe can be serious, and finding a Philadelphia emergency plumber can be tough. Gaceta Plumbing is the right plumber to reach out to you when you need prompt, professional assistance with a burst pipe. If you're dealing with this issue and you're searching for plumbing contractors in Delaware County, PA, and surrounding areas, contact us today so we can help you.
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