A water main break can cause a lot of damage and a lot of headaches. Here are some tips on what to do if you experience one.
Contact A Plumber
The first step to take when a water main break occurs is to contact your local plumber. The plumber will inspect the home and determine if there is any property damage. The cost of repairing the property damage caused by a water main break can be taken care of by the city or town that maintains the pipe, but this usually takes some time.
Contact The Water Company
Step two is to contact the water company. A representative from the water company will come to your home and check if there is a leak or if all of your water has been cut off. If you live in an apartment building, it may be more difficult for them to determine which apartment's line has been broken. In this case, they will shut off the water for your entire building.
There are several steps to take once you complete both of these tasks: turn off the main valve, open all of the windows in your home, and gather fans or dehumidifiers. It is also advisable to remove items from any basement storage areas to protect them from damage caused by moisture.
Get An Inspection
Once you have completed all of these tasks, it is time to contact a restoration company. They will inspect the home, remove any standing water, and carry out an assessment. After they have completed this assessment, they may be able to fix the issue on site or if necessary remove some drywall from your home. The final step is for them to dehumidify your home.
At this point, the restoration company should give you instructions on how to handle any water damage caused by the main break. If they don't, it would be best to call your insurance company and get advice from them about what you should do. Depending on the type of coverage that you have, this may be covered under your homeowner's policy or you may need to contact a water damage company.
A water main break can be a huge inconvenience and cause a lot of damage. If you experience one, make sure to follow these tips to minimize the impact. If the break is severe or if you have any questions, don't hesitate to call us for help. We're here to get your water flowing again as quickly as possible!