What To Do When A Water Pipe Bursts In The Garage

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Most homeowners in South Florida don’t think they need to worry about bursting water pipes. We just don’t have the frigid temperatures here. But other factors can affect pipe damage that could lead to burst pipes. It’s a more common plumbing issue than you might think and your garage is especially susceptible if it has a sink, or laundry facilities.

In this article, we’ll discuss what to do when a water pipe bursts in your garage but your first step should be an emergency plumbing call to your local plumber.

Shut Off the Water Supply

After calling the plumber, you need to shut off the water supply. South Florida homes, typically have two types of shut-off valves.

• A main shut-off valve that turns off the water supply for the entire home.
• Isolation shut-off valves that turn off water to isolated areas of the home.

Finding Your Main Shut-Off Valve

Your main shut-off valve will likely be along the perimeter of your home, either inside or outside. Check the following areas for your main water shut-off valve:

• Exterior walls of your home
• Near the water meter or where the main line enters your home
• In the garage
• Around the water heater​​

Finding Your Isolation Shut-Off Valve

Most of your isolation shut-off valves will be located near the appliance or area they correspond to. For example, your toilet shut-off valve is likely behind the toilet, and the shut-off valve for your kitchen sink is probably under the sink.

Finding the isolation shut-off valve for the water pipes leading into your garage may be trickier. First, thoroughly check the garage area including near the water heater.

Types of Shut-Off Valves

• Gate Valve: Look for a round handwheel that is usually painted red. Turn the gate valve all the way to the right to turn it off.
• Ball Valve: Look for a straight handle, and, again, it’s usually red. In the open position, a gate valve will be in line with the pipe. To turn off a gate valve, turn the handle so that it is perpendicular to the pipe.

Turn Off the Electricity in the Garage

While you might be more concerned about needing a plumbing service repair, don’t overlook the electrical aspect of your burst pipe situation. Be safe and turn off the power in the garage to avoid electrocution. Use the main breaker box to turn off electricity in this area. It’s extremely dangerous to enter any flooded area that has live power. You risk electrocution if water has come into contact with ceiling fixtures, power outlets, and light switches.

Remove As Much Water As Possible

Once you’re confident your electricity is off, you can start to remove some of the water while you wait for your emergency plumbing professionals to arrive.

• Soak up water puddles with towels and blankets.
• Use a wet-dry vacuum to pick up water that the towels missed.
• Wipe away as much water as possible with a dry mop.
• Rent industrial-strength fans and dehumidifiers for several days to thoroughly dry the garage.

Protect Your Belongings

Items that are soaked can often be salvaged if you take action quickly – below are some tips for saving certain types of items after they get wet.

• Photos: Do not touch the front of a wet photo, rinse the photo if it’s dirty by gently immersing it in a tub of clean water. Then, air dry the photos by placing them face up on paper towels or clean towels. Use a dehumidifier to reduce drying time.
• Wood furniture: Do not leave wet wood furniture outside where it will be damaged by the sun. Open drawers and cabinet doors. Place fans to blow air over the furniture. Use a dehumidifier to reduce drying time.
• Upholstered furniture: Use towels to blot dry the fabric. Place fans to blow air over the furniture. Use a dehumidifier to reduce drying time.

Document the Damage

Documenting the damage caused by a burst water pipe is one of the most important things you can do to claim your losses. Photos and videos of the damage can help your insurance company estimate your claim. Receipts and other records of purchases can also help with your claim.

Follow these tips when taking a video for your insurance claim.

• Ensure there is adequate lighting.
• Move the camera slowly.
• Take a shot of the entire area before taking close-ups of specific damage.
• Create a list of specific damage before you begin.
• Follow up the video with close-up photos of damaged areas.

Call Your Insurance Company

Call your insurance company as soon as you’ve taken steps to minimize property damage. Have your policy number and a pen and paper ready to take notes. Also, write a list of questions you have before you call them.