What should I do after a plumbing leak causes water damage?
If a plumbing leak or burst pipe is damaging your home in Hermitage, TN, shut off the water first, then call a plumber to stop and repair the source and ask about availability. This page is for Hermitage-area homeowners and explains what to do first, why leaks lead to water damage and mold, and when you need a plumber versus water damage restoration in Hermitage, so you can limit the damage and know who to call next.
What should I do first after a pipe leak or burst?
Stopping the water comes before everything else, because the sooner water is stopped the less damage it does. Work through these steps, and call a plumber as soon as it is safe to do so:
- Shut off the water. Close the fixture's shutoff valve for a single toilet or sink, or the main water shutoff valve if the leak is large or you cannot find the source.
- Stay safe around electricity. If it is safe to reach the panel, turn off power to wet areas, and never stand in water near outlets or live equipment. If you smell gas, leave and call your gas utility or 911.
- Call a plumber now. Describe what is happening, say that water is actively leaking, and ask about availability. This is the emergency leak response that limits damage.
- Contain and protect. Move furniture, rugs and valuables out of the water's path, and use towels, buckets or a wet vacuum if you have one.
- Take photos and video of the damage and the failed pipe or fixture before cleanup, for your insurance company.
- Start airing the area out if it is safe, and avoid chemical drain cleaners on a sewage backup.
If the leak is from a water heater, a sewer backup or a hidden source you cannot find, the same first steps apply; see Emergency Plumbing, Water Heater Repair & Replacement and Leak Detection & Repair.
How do I shut off the water to my house?
Most homes have a main water shutoff valve where the water line enters the house, often in a basement, crawlspace, garage, utility room or near the water heater, and sometimes outside near the meter. Its location varies by home, so it is worth finding before you need it.
A round handle (gate valve) closes by turning clockwise until it stops. A lever handle (ball valve) closes with a quarter turn so the handle sits crosswise to the pipe. After shutting the main, open a faucet at the lowest level of the house to drain the remaining water. If you cannot shut off the water, or the valve will not turn, call a plumber right away and say so.
Why do plumbing leaks cause water damage?
Water from a leak does not stay where it starts. It soaks into drywall, subfloor, insulation, cabinets, carpet and wood framing, spreads along studs and ceilings, and shows up as stains or soft spots far from the source. A burst pipe can release a lot of water quickly, which is why burst pipe water damage can reach several rooms, while a slow hidden leak soaks the same materials gradually.
Materials that stay wet swell, warp, stain and eventually rot. The longer a leak runs and the longer the wet materials stay wet, the more of them usually have to be removed rather than dried in place.
Can a plumbing leak cause mold?
Yes. Mold needs moisture and something to grow on, and a leak supplies the moisture while drywall paper, wood and insulation supply the food. Mold after a leak is most likely when wet materials are not dried out, especially in wall cavities, under floors and inside cabinets, where it can grow unseen. A musty smell, stains, or bubbling paint are common clues.
Stopping the leak and drying the area quickly are what reduce the risk. If mold is already visible or you suspect it, a restoration or mold professional can assess it. A plumber can fix the leak that caused it but does not remove mold.
Do I need a plumber or water damage restoration?
You usually need the plumber first and water damage restoration second, and a serious leak often needs both. They do different work:
- A plumber stops the leak and repairs the cause: a burst or leaking pipe, fixture, supply line, water heater or sewer line, and can tell you what failed.
- A water damage restoration company deals with the results: removing standing water, drying walls and floors, taking out materials that cannot be saved, cleaning, and addressing mold.
- For a small leak caught right away, with little water and everything dried quickly, the plumbing repair may be all you need.
Plumbing work comes first because drying cannot succeed while water is still coming in. If you need water damage restoration in Hermitage, ask the plumber what they found and keep your photos, as both help a restoration company and your insurance company. This site is for plumbing requests and does not perform water damage cleanup.
Homeowners in Mt. Juliet who have had a leak can look into water damage restoration in Mt. Juliet once the plumbing is repaired.
What does water damage cleanup involve?
Water damage cleanup generally means removing standing water, drying the structure with fans and dehumidifiers, removing wet materials that cannot be saved such as soaked drywall, insulation or carpet padding, cleaning and sanitizing, and checking for moisture or mold before repairs. How much of it is needed depends on how much water there was, how long materials were wet, and whether the water was clean or contaminated, as with a sewage backup.
Do not try to save heavily soaked or contaminated materials on your own, and do not run electrical equipment in standing water. Your insurance company can explain what your policy covers; coverage depends on the policy and the cause.
How can I prevent plumbing leaks from damaging my home?
Most leak damage can be limited by catching problems early. Know where your main shutoff is, replace old supply lines and worn shutoff valves, watch for stains, musty smells and rising water bills, and have hidden leaks located before they soak a wall. Plumbing that keeps leaking in different places may be a sign the piping is wearing out.
These plumbing services address the common sources: Leak Detection & Repair for hidden leaks, Repiping for failing supply pipes, Water Heater Repair & Replacement for leaking tanks, and Emergency Plumbing when water is already flowing.
Water damage and plumbing leak FAQs for Hermitage homeowners
How fast can someone respond to an emergency call?
Response time depends on the plumber's schedule, your location and the situation, and no specific time can be promised here. Call (615) 455-3364 now, describe the leak, and ask about availability. While you wait, shut off the water.
Can I clean up water damage myself?
Small, clean spills that you catch right away can usually be dried by hand. Larger leaks, water that soaked walls or floors, sewage, and anything near electrical wiring are better left to professionals, because materials that look dry can stay damp inside and lead to mold.
Does homeowners insurance cover water damage from a burst pipe?
Coverage varies by policy and by the cause. Sudden and accidental water damage is often treated differently from long-term leaks or wear. Contact your insurance company, document the damage with photos, and keep the plumber's findings.
How do I know if a hidden leak is damaging my home?
Check whether your water meter moves when everything is off, and watch for unexplained increases in your water bill, stains, bubbling paint, soft floors, musty smells or the sound of running water. A plumber can locate the leak with leak detection.