Burst Pipe at Home: What to Do First, and How to Hire a Plumber and a Water Damage Company

Act Fast: Your Immediate Steps

When a pipe bursts or freezes, acting quickly can limit damage to your home and keep you safe. Water can cause extensive damage to floors, furniture, and personal items. An eighth-inch crack in a pipe can release up to 250 gallons of water daily. Both plastic and copper pipes can burst.

Here are the first things you should do:

1. Shut off your main water supply. Find your home’s main shut-off valve and turn it off right away. This stops the flow of water into your home.
2. Stay safe from electricity. Do not use any electrical appliances in areas where there is standing water. Electrocution is possible. If you need to enter a flooded area where there is standing water, a qualified professional should turn off power to that area at the main electrical panel before you enter.
3. Never use open flames to thaw pipes. If you detect your water pipes have frozen, do not try to thaw them with a torch or any open flame. You can use the warm air from a hair dryer to thaw a frozen pipe. Start thawing as close to the faucet as possible and work your way toward the coldest part of the pipe.
4. Start drying immediately. If you can, begin to dry any wet or damp materials within 24 to 48 hours. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that if materials are dried within this time frame, mold usually will not grow.
5. Call a plumber if no water comes out. If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, this is a sign of frozen pipes. Call a plumber right away.

Get Professional Help: Plumbers and Water Damage Companies

Once you have taken immediate safety steps, you will need to address the pipe repair and any water damage. These often require different types of professionals.

• A plumber fixes the broken or frozen pipe. They will stop the leak and repair the plumbing system.
• A water damage cleanup company helps remove water, dry out your home, and prevent mold growth. This type of company is essential if water has spread beyond a small, contained area.

When to call a professional for water damage:

If the water damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water, the EPA advises calling in a professional. This type of water contains harmful substances that require special handling and cleanup methods.

How to Hire Smart: Choosing Your Contractors

Choosing the right professionals for pipe repair and water damage cleanup is very important. Always take your time to check their qualifications and get clear agreements.

Here’s what to look for when hiring:

• License and Insurance: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advises hiring only contractors who are licensed and insured. Check their license with your state or county government. Ask for proof of their insurance. This protects you if something goes wrong or if a worker gets hurt on your property.
• Experience: For water damage cleanup, especially if mold is a concern, the EPA recommends hiring a contractor with experience in mold cleanup. Ask if they follow guidelines from professional or government organizations, such as the EPA’s recommendations for mold remediation.
• References: Ask for references from past clients. Contact these references to ask about their experience with the contractor’s work quality, communication, and professionalism.
• Written Estimates: Get written estimates from several different firms. The FTC notes that the lowest bid might not always be the best choice. Compare what each estimate includes, not just the final price. Make sure the estimate covers all the work you expect.
• Payment Schedule: The FTC advises against paying the full amount up front. Some states limit how much a contractor can ask for as an initial payment. Never make the final payment until all the work is completed to your satisfaction.

Understand Your Homeowners Insurance

Your homeowners insurance policy may cover damage from a burst pipe. It is important to understand what is covered and what is not, and how to file a claim.

What your policy usually covers:

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) says that homeowners policies cover damage from a “sudden and accidental” discharge from a plumbing system.

When coverage might be denied:

Your insurance policy may not cover damage if it determines you neglected your plumbing system. For example, if you do not keep your home at a minimum temperature during cold weather, or if you do not shut off the water supply when your home is vacant, the damage from a burst pipe might not be covered. Policies often require homeowners to take reasonable steps to prevent freezing.

Steps to file an insurance claim:

1. Know your deductible. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) suggests finding out your deductible first. If the damage is minor and costs less than your deductible, you might decide to pay for repairs yourself. If the damage is extensive or costs more than your deductible, then filing a claim makes sense.
2. Notify your insurance company immediately. If you decide to file a claim, contact your insurance company as soon as possible. The amount of time you have to report a claim can vary by state.
3. Document the damage. Make a detailed list of all damaged property. Take photos and videos of the damage before any repairs or cleanup begin. This evidence will help support your claim.
4. Provide necessary information. Contact your insurance company or agent with your policy number, name, address, and phone number. Explain what happened and describe the extent of the damage.

When this advice may not fit

This information is a general guide for burst pipes. However, there are situations where you should seek specialized help immediately. Never attempt to work on gas lines, the main electrical panel, or structural components of your home yourself. If you suspect damage to your home’s roof, or if there is lead paint or asbestos that has been disturbed by water, you need a qualified professional. If you have questions or concerns about your homeowners insurance policy, contact your state department of insurance for assistance. This advice does not replace the need for professional inspection and repair for complex or hazardous situations.