When temperatures plummet, usually below 20 degrees, water can freeze in your pipes.  When water freezes, it expands, and if it expands enough the pipe can burse and escaping water can cause serious damage to your home or office. Even taking precautions such as insulating exposed pipes, opening cabinets, and keeping water faucets dripping doesn’t always keep pipes from feeding and bursting. Don’t wait till you’re standing in a puddle in the middle of the kitchen to figure out the next steps. 

Time is of the essence in reacting to a flood. Knowing these essential steps can keep you safe and help mitigate damage.

#1 Disconnect your electrical

We all know electricity and water don’t mix. If water has risen above or comes into contact with your electrical outlets, do not go in the water. Electricity can travel through water and shock you through a wet floor. If possible, turn off the electric systems in your home. If water is blocking your path to the breaker box, look for an exterior shut-off or call an electrician.

#2 Stop the source of the flooding

Locate your main water supply and shut it off immediately. Typically, the main shut-off valve is located on the perimeter of the house where water first enters the home. Most likely it will be on the side of the house that is facing the street or near your water meter.

#3 Salvage anything you can from the flood zone

Water moves fast, soaking through items almost instantly. Remove what you can from the flooded floor to salvage as much as possible.

#4 Call your insurance company 

Most homeowners insurance policies cover water damage residentially and commercially.  Get in touch with your agent to explain the situation and clarify what documentation they need to process your claim. Sometimes, insurance companies want to send an adjuster to assess the damage before clean-up begins.    

#5 Call a water damage restoration company

Water mitigation is not a DIY project for a homeowner. While you may able able to shop vac the standing water you can see, the moisture left in your subfloor and in your walls must be dried out immediately to prevent mold and mildew growth. A professional, certified remediation company like Carpet Tech is an insurance-approved vendor with the equipment and certification to dry out your home properly. Additionally, CT Roofing and Construction will then repair any damage to your home or office, getting you back to your pre-loss condition.