Most people know what to do in case of a fire or earthquake, but do you know what to do in the middle of a serious plumbing emergency? Take the following seven steps to help minimize water damage and keep you and your loved ones safe.
1. Turn off the water supply at the shutoff valve.
Depending on how extensive the water damage is, water damage remediation can cost anywhere from hundred of dollars to thousands. This is why the first thing you need to do is to turn off the home’s water supply.
If you’ve never done this before, locate the shutoff valve ahead of time and make sure family members know where it is in case you’re not home during a plumbing emergency.
2. Turn off the home’s electricity.
Eliminate the risk of electrocution by locating the utility company’s terminal box and shutting off power. If the area surrounding the terminal box is flooded or if the terminal box is wet, you may need to call an electrician.
3. Call Blue Apple Electric for emergency plumbing service.
As soon as you’re out of immediate danger, call Blue Apple Electric and we’ll send out a team of plumbers to conduct an inspection, locate the damaged pipes, and make the necessary repairs. Don’t try to fix the pipes yourself, as there may be multiple burst pipes and a more serious underlying cause that only a professional plumber can diagnose and repair.
4. Turn off the water heater.
Once you’ve made the call to Blue Apple Electric, shut off the water heater to prevent pressure buildup and to eliminate the risk of the boiler bursting.
5. Clean up the flooded area as best you can, if the damage is not severe (until the plumber arrives).
If you’ve got a pool of water in the kitchen or bathroom that has not flooded a significant area of the home, then grab a mop and bucket and start removing the water as best you can.
6. Evacuate the home if heavily flooded.
If you’re wading through inches or feet of water, then you need to leave the clean up to the experts. Once the Blue Apple Electric plumbers arrive, they’ll discuss with you your water remediation options.
7. Document the damages.
When filing a claim, your home insurance company will need to know how extensive the water damage is, so be sure to note what areas of the house have been flooded.