Don’t Panic Moments: What to do when a pipe bursts?
Emergency maintenance issue?
Your pipe bursts.
It can be a moment of panic, especially if it’s outside of normal hours.
However, the most important thing is to remain calm and follow the instructions below swiftly to ensure the least amount of damage and issues for your home.
We have created 5 immediate steps below to follow in the event your pipe bursts.
1. Turn off the main water shut off valve
There is an internal stop valve for water in many houses in Cayman and these might be found in garages etc. However, as a first step, especially where there is extensive flooding, it’s best to use the external main water stop valve.
Unlike the internal stop valve, this will shut off all the water supply going into your home meaning the water will stop regardless of if the leak is coming from an internal or external source.
This main shut off valve is usually outside along the perimeter of your home.
2. Find the source of the leak
The leak may be easier to find in obvious places such as the ceiling, bathroom pipes or pipes under the kitchen sink.
It’s important to do a thorough check of nearby rooms if there’s not a clear source, especially if it’s near to another door. For example, water heater leaking out from storage room into the next room.
Any water near entrances to another room should be followed to ensure there is no further leaking or water damage.
If you still aren’t able to find the source, not to worry as the maintenance team can help. We only suggest you try to locate it in the interim so you’re able to soak up water as soon as possible (see next point).
3. Soak / gather up the water
Use buckets, cloths or towels to gather up any excess water in the interim of a professional team arriving to minimize damage as much as possible.
4. Note down the damage and area
Whilst waiting on the plumber/maintenance team to arrive this is a good moment to make a note and take photos of any extensive damage that may require an insurance claim.
5. Contact 5 Star on their urgent helpline
At 5 Star we help with a range of emergency maintenance situations including burst pipes.
To learn more about out urgent help services click here.
Also make sure to download our printable PDF that is a condensed version of this article for what to do when your pipe burst to have it on file or share with family and friends.
