New Jersey Plumbing Service Teaches How to Limit Water Damage

Last week I listened as my friend told me how her house had flooded – destroying most of her belongings. It wasn’t from ice inside the pipes, weathering or anything unpreventable, it happened because the previous low-budget plumber that she called in to fix her water pipes screwed up. Either he didn’t know what he was doing or he was careless. One of the water pipes broke and she was left ankle deep in water. Next time, she’ll use a dependable, knowledgeable New Jersey Plumbing Service.

The leak in her water pipes could have caused a lot more damage, but she followed the steps that anyone in her situation should follow to limit water damage.

First, Stop the Flow of Water

Shut off the main water supply by turning off the main stop tap, which is usually either in the area where the main service pipe connects to the home or under the kitchen sink. It is best to ensure that everyone in your family knows where it is located and how to turn it off in case of a emergency.

Let the pipe drain out the water by turning on all cold taps. Switch off the water heating system and then turn on all hot taps to help in draining the water supply system. Also, flush all toilets. All leaks should stop once there is no more water running from the taps.

Remember to turn off the main electrical supply unit immediately and never touch anything electrical if it's wet.

Next, Find the Break or Leak

Try to locate exactly where the pipe burst to prevent further damage. Once you've found where the leak initially started, you can mark it with a magic marker or cloth to show the plumber when he comes.

Then Get Professional Help

If the damage is in a main water pipe, it needs to be repaired and dealt with carefully by a professional New Jersey plumbing service regardless of the cause or size of the break. Attempting to do the repairs on your own can be dangerous or cause further damage. It is best to let the experts do the work.

If there is flooding or any water damage in the home, call a water damage restoration company to remove the water from your home and dry it out.

Submit an Insurance Claim

When incidents like emergency water damage happen, it is best to contact your insurance company immediately to begin your homeowner’s insurance claim. Your insurance agent will advise you what steps you should take for your policy, and visit your home to assess the damage. Documentation of the damage is very important and you can do this right away while waiting for the insurance agent. Use a digital camera or video camera at home. If you can, get a statement from the New Jersey plumbing service and restoration crew about what they think caused the water damage. Give that information to the insurance agent.

Having your house flooded by a burst or leaky pipe is a terrible thing. But if it happens to you, be ready to spring into action to limit the water damage in your home.