Emergency Guide: What To Do When Pipes Burst in Your Clearwater Home

You hear a loud bang, and suddenly the water arrives, flooding your home. Nothing brings absolute panic faster than hearing rushing water when all your taps are off. Burst pipes can expel gallons of water into your home, causing colossal amounts of damage and costing you an arm and a leg to remediate and repair the problem. In this article, we’re going to share tips on what to do when the unexpected happens. 

What should I do when water damage occurs in my home in Clearwater, FL?

1. Shut off the water

Immediately shut off the main water valve in the home when you discover a pipe burst. This will stop the flow of water to prevent further damage. Consider shutting off the power to your home to avoid an electrical fire. 

2. Call a water damage professional

Whether you find the leak or don’t, you need to find professional support. Remediation companies and plumbers can assist in finding the leak, even if the leak is hidden behind walls, under floors, or underground. They use advanced, non-invasive technology like thermal imaging cameras, acoustic listening devices, moisture meters, and cameras to pinpoint the exact location of the damage, minimizing unnecessary structural destruction. 

3. Document the water damage

After you call someone, you should document the damage to make a claim with your insurance provider. If you’re wondering if your policy covers burst pipes, it depends on your situation and what your specific policy covers. But you should document the damage to aid any claim. Take photos of everything before you start the cleaning process.

4. Begin the water damage remediation process

Once you finish documenting the damage, it’s a race against time to prevent mold. That is where remediation companies come in handy the most. Remediation companies inspect the damage to come up with the best course of action for your specific situation. They extract as much standing water as possible before setting up the drying equipment such as air mover fans, dehumidifiers and inject-a-dry systems. The average process takes 3-5 days and then you can start the rebuild.

5. File an insurance claim

Use the documentation to file a claim. You may want to speak with a representative from your insurance provider to talk you through the process of your claim and advise you on next steps. 

Burst pipes aren’t always the dramatized scene where water comes flooding into your home. There are usually signs that a pipe burst is on the horizon. Time is key in preventing a burst pipe and saving yourself a lot of money and time.

Be on the lookout for these water damage signs:

• Water marks/stains: If water is leaking behind your walls or ceiling, it will soak through over time becoming visible on your interior or exterior walls.
• High water bill: if you receive your monthly water bill and it is substantially higher than normal, it could be a sign of a water leak that is using water constantly. 
• Mold growth- moisture will eventually lead to mold growth if not treated in a timely manner. A sign of mold growth if you don’t see it, is a musty smell. 
• Weak water flow: a severe leak or burst pipe can disrupt the flow of water in your home. The flow will become weaker since the leak is constantly taking water from the pipes. 

No matter how it happens, a burst pipe is never planned for. Whether we are your first call to stop the flow, or we step in for just the remediation, Bay Coast Restoration is your trusted team to restore your home and your peace of mind. We provide 24 hour emergency service so we are there when you need us most. Call us at 727-270-8726 for any of your water damage needs.