Burst pipes can be a nightmare. Fortunately, you can protect your home from serious damage by taking the necessary precautions. The first thing that you will need to do is call a plumbing company. There are also things that you will need to do while you are waiting for a plumber to arrive.
Find Your Stopcock
Studies have shown that 30 percent of homeowners do not know where their stopcock is. It is important for you to know where this is in advance. The sooner you can locate the stopcock, the sooner you will be able to stop the water from doing damage to your home. In most cases, stopcocks are located underneath the sink in the kitchen or bathroom, stairs or garage.
Turn off the Water
You will need to drain the water in the pipe by flushing the toilet and turning on all of the cold taps. After that, you will need to turn on your heating system and the hot water taps. If there is no water in the pipe, then the leak will stop.
Prevent More Damage
If there is a leak coming from your ceiling, then you can prevent additional damage by putting a bucket under the area. This will prevent the water from spreading and causing more damage.
Exercise Caution
You have to be careful when your home as a leak. If a leak has gone undetected for a while, then the ceiling, attic and upstairs floor may be unstable. That is why you have to be cautious when walking. Avoid walking across a bulging floor. A bulging floor is a clear sign of damage.
Turn off the Electricity
Water and electricity can be a dangerous combination. You do not want to touch any of the electrical appliances in the home. You will need to make sure that everyone in the household does the same. Make sure that you turn off all of the electricity as quickly as possible.
Open all of the Doors and Windows
It is a good idea to open all of the windows and doors in your home. You will be able to bring some fresh air in your home by opening the windows and doors.
Take Steps to Minimize Post-Leak Damage
The leak is not the only thing that you will have to worry about. The moisture can cause the mold to grow. The leak can also do damage your home’s structure. You will be able to minimize damage and save money by taking the steps to protect your home.
Contact Your Home Insurance Company
You should call your home insurance company as soon as possible. You will be able to start the claims process immediately. They will check to see how much damage was done.
Record the Damage
You will have to provide proof of damage. There are several ways that you can document the damage. You can take pictures of the damage. You will need to keep the photos in your phone. You can also store the pictures in a digital camera.
For more homeowner tips & guides, as well as scheduling residential plumbing, heating or air conditioning service in the Denver, CO, check out SWAN Plumbing, Heating & Air of Denver.
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