There’s a Geyser in the House: How To Manage a Sudden Pipe Break in the Kitchen

11/25/2021 (Permalink)

Drying equipment under the kitchen sink.

Steps To Take After a Pipe Break

You come home to find a geyser in your kitchen causing minor flooding. What do you do? Obviously, you hop on the internet and look for the answer. Well, you’re in luck. Below are the initial steps you should take after a pipe break in your kitchen.

1. Shut Off the Water

To stop a faucet from spewing water in the home, you should immediately shut off the valves under the sink. By turning off the valves, you cut off the water supply and end the unintentional geyser, thereby preventing further water damage. If the supply line is damaged below the shut-off valve then you may want to turn off the main water supply to the house.

2. Call Your Policy Holder

As most homeowner policies will cover flooding caused by broken pipes – as long as the damage was not caused by neglect – you can call your insurer to discuss next steps. Most insurers will require you to file a claim, which will need to be investigated by an adjuster. An adjuster will come to your home, inspect the damage, and make a recommendation to your insurer about any potential coverage.

3. Dry the Affected Area

An adjuster visit can happen quickly, or it can take a week or more. In the meantime, you can mitigate any further damage by drying the affected areas. If the exposure time was minimal, then it may be enough to dry items with mops and towels. If the exposure time was significant, then some tear out may be necessary to ensure adequate drying and to reduce the risk of mold growth.

4. Call a Restoration Specialist

Depending on the exposure time and the extent of the damage, you may want to hire a restoration specialist in Oak Tree Village, TX, for your kitchen repair. If the damage was extensive enough to make a claim then your insurer may require professional repair anyway.

Flooding in your kitchen can be substantial if left unchecked. While it is possible to catch this type of disaster early and prevent extensive repair, the expanse of the pipe break may determine if you require professional assistance, especially if filing a claim.