Whether you’re happy about it or not, winter is here in Wisconsin. This means frigid temperatures, heavy snowfall, high winds, and icy conditions—all of which can wreak havoc on your home, especially where your pipes are involved.
Burst pipes are one of the most commonly reported types of property damage that homeowners experience in the winter. They’re caused by the water inside of pipes freezing, then expanding, making the pipes crack open from the pressure. Although a burst pipe can occur anywhere in the home, they’re most common in colder areas like basements, crawl spaces, and on the outer walls of your home.
The result of a burst pipe is hundreds of gallons of water pouring in and threatening the structural integrity of your home, ruining your electrical systems, and creating an environment for mold and mildew to run rampant. Depending on where the pipe bursts in your home, these repairs are often expensive and time-consuming.
Insurance companies know this, and will therefore try to twist the situation in order to give you a lower settlement than you deserve. However, there’s a way to navigate this process in a way that maximizes your payment and minimizes damages.
What to Do When a Pipe Bursts
Every burst pipe situation is different. Some burst pipes are just slightly cracked, causing the water to slowly leak out over time (oftentimes without you noticing). Others burst fully, resulting in major water damage and flooding. No matter what situation you’re in, it’s important to make sure you take these next steps.
1. Shut Your Water Off Immediately
You may be surprised to know that in the event of a major pipe burst, many people panic and forget to shut off the water. It’s important to try and remain calm—your number one priority should be to minimize the amount of damage. Find the main water valve and turn it off to stop the flow of water from coming in. Water valves are usually located under the kitchen sink or in the basement. (If you don’t know where yours is, it may be good to familiarize yourself with its location in the event of an emergency.) If the flow of water continues after shutting off the valve, drain the other water in the system by flushing the toilet and running all the cold taps until the flow dries up. Once the situation is secure, you’re able to move on to the next step.
2. Document All of the Damages
After a pipe burst, one of your first instincts is probably to start tidying up. Resist the urge! Before you can get things back to normal, you’ll want to document the damage by taking as many pictures and videos as possible. Record the pipes themselves, the wreckage to the walls and other structures, and the destruction of any personal property. It is also beneficial to take a moment to write down some notes, such as when you realized the pipe burst, what steps you took, and even what the temperature was outside at that moment in time. The more information you are able to gather for your insurance company, the easier it will be to start filing a claim.
3. Clean Up the Water
Once everything has been thoroughly documented, you’re good to start cleaning. One of the first things you’re going to want to do after a pipe burst is get rid of all the standing water. Use buckets, towels, mops, or a wet-dry vacuum to remove as much as you can. Good ventilation is key in reducing moisture levels, so use fans or dehumidifiers to dry out the affected area. Move any waterlogged items or furniture to a warm space free from water damage so they can start drying out. The walls, floors, and ceilings will likely need to be cleaned and disinfected. The longer that water sits in your home, the more likely it is to cause damage, so you’ll want to act as fast as you can. If there’s a large amount of water, a professional may need to come in to extract it (especially if it’s gotten into your carpet).
4. Consult Your Insurance Policy Information
Next, it’s time for the hard part: looking over your insurance policy information. See if you can find anything specifically about burst pipes, and what exactly your insurance covers. Review the policy to make sure you have everything that’s required to submit a claim that matches their terms. You may want to contact your insurance agent or representative if you want more clarity. Insurance companies use language that’s often complex and disorienting—at times, it may seem like you are reading something in a different language. This is done on purpose in order to get you to submit the claim wrong or give up on the claim entirely. Don’t let them discourage you—you’re entitled to compensation!
5. Contact a Public Adjuster
Consider contacting a public adjuster if you’re struggling to file a claim for your burst pipe. When navigating the confusing ins and outs of the insurance process, it’s helpful to have someone knowledgeable on your side. A public adjuster is a property claims expert who works exclusively on your behalf and will help you receive a fair payment. They will evaluate the damages caused by the burst pipe, file the paperwork, and follow through on the claims process until a settlement has been reached. If your claim is denied or you are underpaid, a public adjuster will work to handle that as well. They’re also well-connected with local contractors, and can therefore help get the damages repaired while you wait for your claim to be processed.
6. Put Preventative Measures in Place
Unfortunately, while some burst pipes are unavoidable, there are a few preventative measures you can take to minimize the likelihood of it happening again. If you know you’re going to be away from home for a few hours and the temperature is going to be below freezing, keep your central heating at a minimum of 59°F. If you’re going to be away for a few weeks in the winter, consider emptying your water system entirely by turning off the main valve and draining the water from the taps until it stops. It’s also important to note that running water is less likely to freeze than standing water, so you can leave some faucets dripping to prevent an eventual burst.
How Fortitude Can Help if a Pipe Bursts
If you’re looking for more guidance when it comes to burst pipes and other property damage claims, contact us today! At Fortitude Public Adjusters, we have a knowledgeable team of experienced adjusters who understand the internal workings of the claims process and will fight to get you a fair payment. Big or small, we’ll go up against it all.
