What to Do When a Pipe Bursts in the Midst of Holiday Hosting
It is easy to put one and one together: the first dinner guests are at the door and you can hear water coming through the ceiling. Or perhaps it is Christmas Eve and a pipe has given out; do you know who to put on the phone? Are you prepared to act quickly so a minor leak does not make a mess of the living room?
We have been putting those questions to rest for homeowners in Northeast Indiana since 1976 at Springfield Restoration & Remodeling. People in the area refer to us as “the water cleanup people” for good reason. You can count on us at (260) 305-9199, round the clock, because a disaster will not be put off until after business hours.
Then there is winter to contend with. A cold snap will see the water in your lines freeze and expand, cracking the pipe from within. Add to that the extra demand on your plumbing from all the cooking and company that comes with holiday entertaining and you have the perfect recipe for a burst pipe, which is why they are so common at this time of year.
Step One: Shut Off the Water
If a room is in the process of being flooded, every minute is of consequence. The best course of action is to put a stop to the water where it starts.
Upon seeing a burst pipe, here is what is called for:
- Go to your main shutoff valve and close it by turning clockwise
- In the event the leak is in proximity to an appliance or light fixture, cut the power at the breaker
- Let some of the water in the lines drain by opening a low downspout faucet
- Put buckets or towels to stem any active dripping and put some distance between the water and your furniture or rugs
A little forethought as to where your shutoff is can spare you hundreds of gallons of damage. If you are in any doubt, spend two minutes to put your mind at ease before your guests come over.
Step Two: Protect Your Guests and Your Home
With a house full of people a burst pipe is a genuine hazard. Wet floors are a slip waiting to happen and standing water next to an outlet is not something to be trifled with.
Make sure everyone stays clear. Should water have made its way to an electrical panel or appliance, do not wade in to get to it. There is no piece of furniture worth your safety.
Step Three: Make a Record of the Damage
Put down the mop for a moment and use your phone to photograph and video the scene. You will be glad you did when you have to put in an insurance claim.
Get a few quick shots for your file:
- The room in question from a wide angle
- The burst pipe up close
- Water lines on the wall and any standing water
- Ceilings, drywall and anything else that has been damaged
Do not let this impede your response though. The sooner the water is gone the better.
Step Four: Get Some Professional Help
You may mop up what is in plain view but moisture will work its way into the subfloor and wall cavities beyond your reach. It is how mold makes a start in the wake of a leak.
For that you need us. We have been of service to families in Fort Wayne, Auburn, Angola, Kendallville, Columbia City, Huntington and throughout Allen and DeKalb counties for close to five decades. Our technicians have been put through their paces at the Dewald Academy in the latest mitigation techniques and we have the equipment to extract moisture from places a shop vac is no match for.
Being a local operation and not a franchise means you are talking to someone who cares, not a call centre. Your neighbours would tell you that, judging by our A+ with the BBB and the 200 plus reviews on Google.
Let Us Worry About the Insurance
There is enough stress in a holiday burst pipe without having an altercation with an adjuster. We will deal with your insurance company directly and document the loss as part of the claim.
We have the capacity to reconstruct as well as remove the water, so the job is done in its entirety by one team rather than being passed on to strangers. From the paint and flooring to the drywall, we handle the restoration.
So if a pipe goes while you are hosting this season, there is no need to wait or fluster. Turn off the water, see to the safety of your guests and give Springfield Restoration & Remodeling a ring at (260) 305-9199. We are here 24/7 to help you put your home back in order.