Handle The Situation
Did you know that burst pipes are one of the top reasons why California homes experience floods? While many residential flooding is caused by leaking water heaters and clogged sewer lines, burst pipes are the most common reasons. Malfunctions or old age can cause pipes to crack, which will eventually lead to a burst pipe pouring water down your hallways, walls, and ceilings. Homeowners are never prepared for these types of situations. When events like these occur, people get in panic mode and don’t know what to do. Don’t let that be you. We’ve created a list of 6 steps to take if your home gets flooded by a burst pipe below so that you know you can handle the situation as effectively as possible.
Turn Off the Electricity
One of the biggest hazards that appear when your house gets flooded is electrocution. The first thing you should do is turn off your home’s electrical systems as soon as possible. However, if you have to step on water to turn off the fuse box, then DO NOT take this route. If you can’t reach the fuse box without stepping through water, look for the main shut off on the exterior of your home OR call an electrician.
Stop the Source of the Flooding
If your flood is caused by a burst pipe/valve rather than the act of nature. It should be daily simple to stop the water at its source. Simply switch the main water shutoff valve. There were occasions when certain family members (for example, the kids) didn’t know where this was located, thus worsening the situation. That’s why we recommend pointing out where this valve is located to all family members. If a water pipe bursts in your home, you can immediately stop it by turning off the valve.
Salvage Anything You Can from the Flood Zone
Water damage occurs almost instantly, but you might still be able to save a few items. Put belongings that might be savable on your tables, sofas, and bed. Sadly, the majority of furniture may not be savable. But that depends on how much time they were exposed to the water. Our water damage restoration crew will let you know what items can be savable and which ones will, unfortunately, have to be disposed of.
Call Your Insurance Company
Your homeowner’s insurance policy may probably cover your water damage. You will need to call your insurer and let them know of the incident. To make sure your claim is successful, remember to ask your insurer whether a claim adjuster needs to visit your home to document the damage before starting the cleanup and repair process. We recommend documenting everything you can as it will assist you with your insurance claim.
Call a Water Damage Restoration Company
Cleaning up after a flood is a long and tiresome process. You will need to start by removing the standing water in your home. From sweeping the water out of your hallways to draining out the water in your basement, you will need to get rid of all traces of water. At this point, most homeowners enlist the help of a water damage restoration company, such as DRC Restoration. They will help you with the extraction of water, ventilation of your home, and restoration of all damaged property.
Prevent Mold Growth
The damage to your home is only half the battle. If not adequately dealt with, water damage can have farther-reaching effects on your home and health in the form of mold and mildew. That’s why it’s so crucial that you properly dry out your home with dehumidifiers and fans. Your water damage restoration company will help you with all of these steps.
Flooding Can Happen at Any Time—So Be Prepared!
It’s nearly impossible to predict whether a pipe will burst, so you need to be prepared for this situation at any time. Knowing the steps you need to take if your home gets flooded by a burst pipe will help you take immediate action and reduce the amount of water damage your home gets. We hope this blog helps you get an idea of what you have to do in the event of a home flooding. If your home experienced a water issue and got flooded, the experienced team at DRC Restorations can help! Give us a call today at (858) 285-5546 for a FREE quote!
