Water pipes may acquire ice and obstructions during a cold period in the winter. If ignored, this may result in elevated pressure that could eventually cause the pipe to explode. It’s critical to take early action because a burst water pipe in your home could result in damages exceeding $5,000. Take the following actions to lessen the harm.
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Disconnect the water.
Your home will be inundated by water from a burst pipe. To stop the flow of water and stop more damage, find the main water source and turn it off. Flush the toilets and keep the faucets running to completely drain the pipe and release any pressure that may still be present. You may also need to turn off the electricity, depending on where the leak is.
Fix the pipe.
To guarantee that the pipe is fixed promptly and effectively, call a plumber. It’s advisable to trust the professionals brust pipe plumber in Sydney to fix the pipe because attempting to do so yourself could result in further harm.
Eliminate the water.
There is a greater chance of damage the longer water remains inside your house. Wet/dry vacuum as much standing water as you can, relocate wet things to a warm, dry location, and instal fans or a dehumidifier in the area. To prevent future mould and mildew problems, make sure the area is completely dry. To get expert assistance, look for a local water mitigation contractor or ask your insurance agent to help you discover one.
Make a damage inventory.
List all of the items and property that have been damaged in detail. So that you and your insurance claims adjuster can simply refer to it later, photograph the damage with a digital camera or your phone. Keep any receipts you have for repairs.
Get in touch with your insurance representative.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, about 22% of all homeowner insurance claims are due to water damage and freezing. Your basic homeowner policy should typically cover water damage from burst pipes, so get in touch with your insurance agent right away to start your claim.
Stop it from happening
The last thing you want after a pipe bursts is for it to happen again after everything is cleaned up. Make sure your pipes are warm and the water is running when temps drop because the alarm threshold for frozen pipes is 20°F. Simple measures to assist stop pipes from freezing include:
- Even if you are going on a short trip away from home, keep the thermostat set to at least 55°F.
- To keep the water flowing, turn the faucets a little bit.
- For uninsulated pipes, open cabinet doors under sinks to allow heat to enter. Consider insulating exposed pipes, particularly those that run along exterior walls, for a more durable solution.
- Any leaks in your home’s exterior that can let cold air in close to pipes should be caulked and sealed.
- In southern climate homes that weren’t constructed with potential freezing in mind, pay extra attention to pipes in unheated regions including basements, attics, crawl spaces, and outside walls.