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What to Do in the Event of a Burst Pipe

Monday, December 21st, 2009

Turn off the main stopcock (clockwise). The stopcock can usually be found under the sink, or in the airing cupboard. This will stop any more water entering the cold water tank. It is always a good idea to find out where the stopcock is situated before an emergency arises.

In order to drain the cold water tank as quickly as possible and thereby reduce the amount of water available to cause damage, turn on all the taps in the house and flush all toilets after turning off the main stopcock.

Remove the appropriate fuse from the main fuse box, or throw the main breaker if you have modern circuit breakers. Again, it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the main fuse box now, in case of future emergencies.

If the water is causing the ceiling plaster to bulge, hold a container under the bulge and make a hole in the bulge with a screwdriver or scissors to release the water. This should confine the damage to a smaller area.

Switch off your water heater or damp down a solid fuel boiler (the fire does not need to be completely extinguished as the hot-water cylinder will not have been emptied).

Assuming you are insured, you will need to make an insurance claim. If the damage is substantial, insurance companies appoint loss adjusters to look after their interests and to report back to them. Correspondingly, it is sensible to appoint your own loss assessor to look after your interests when you make an insurance claim.

Loss assessors help you through the insurance claim process and manage your claim to maximum effect. When everyone else is interested in their own situation – and after all, you wouldn’t expect your insurer to pay out without a fuss – a loss assessor can be your best ally, as they will be the only ones truly committed to your best interests. Granted, loss assessors charge a fee for their services, however, this is usually a small percentage applied to the settlement figure and the advantages should vastly outweigh the cost.

You may need a Damage Limitation Company to help with the drying out, temporary supply of electrics, drying and monitoring equipment and other essential first aid for your property and contents. You may also require alternative accommodation, and may not be sure what you are entitled to. There is a great deal of organisation needed before you can get back to normal. A loss assessor can provide a sympathetic ear, knowledge and experience. This can certainly help you through such a disorientating and distressing time.

Ray Truman of Truman Associates has 30 years’ experience in dealing with insurance claims on behalf of his clients and will bring his expertise and act on your behalf to help with your insurance claim.