What to Do When You Find a Burst Pipe in Your House

Large or small, a burst pipe can cause extensive damage within the walls of your home. Don’t let this wreak havoc on your household.

If you find a broken pipe in your home, it is essential to take immediate action to avoid as much damage as possible and to slow down the destruction process. Today, we’re talking about the first things you should do when you find a broken pipe in your house.

Continue scrolling to find out what to do after a pipe bursts in your home.

Steps to Take When You Find a Burst Pipe

Here’s what you need to do when you find a broken pipe in your house:

1. 1. Immediately shut off your water at the main valve to help prevent any further damage. If a hot water pipe breaks, close the valve found on top of your water heater. Then, turn on a faucet to relieve the pressure in your the pipes. Clean up what you need to right away using a wet/dry shop vacuum, buckets, and old rags.

 

1. 1. Call a plumber or emergency restoration company. Keep your go-to service companies’ numbers ready and easily accessible.

 

1. 1. File an insurance claim. Most policies will cover water damage and the necessary repairs resulting from a broken or burst pipe. You will need to give as many details about what caused the pipe to burst, damages that have occurred, and anything else required. Be sure to take pictures of the damage and hold on to recipes from any short-term repair expenses.Avoid using the word “flood” when submitting your claim. Insurance companies have an exact definition of “flood” and can deny your claim altogether since many policies do not cover floods.

 

1. 1. Contact a trusted and experienced public adjuster before being the repair process. A skilled adjuster will be your advocate during this process and make sure to do a thorough assessment of damages and make sure the restoration process goes smoothly.

 

1. 1. Throughout this process, make sure to document everything. Write down and take notes of each conversation and interaction between you and your insurance company. Keeping a paper trail may come in handy at some point during this ordeal.

 

1. 1. Do your research to find quality professionals to repair your house. You’ll find many disreputable contractors, so make sure to do your homework and make sure the contractors you hire are licensed and insured. Word-of-mouth referrals are typically the best way to find quality workers. This due diligence is well worth the time investment that may help you avoid future headaches and hassles.

 

1. Become familiar with your insurance policy and what is (and isn’t) covered. It’s important to understand what you will be billed for out of pocket and what should be billed directly towards your insurance company.

Contact Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters

If your home has suffered damage, such as a burst pipe, contact the helpful and knowledgeable professionals at Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters. With over 50 years of experience in construction and disaster restoration, our team of adjusters can help you resolve your insurance claim quickly. We represent you, not your insurance company. If you live in Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, or New Jersey, our professionals can serve you. Contact us today for your free, no-obligation claims review.