There are few nightmares that strike fear in the heart of homeowners more than the idea of having a water pipe burst. Unfortunately, sometimes bad dreams do come true. Here's what you need to know if you discover a broken pipe:

Turn Off The Electricity

When you discover water pouring into your basement or another room in the house, it's natural to want to stop the flow immediately. This can be dangerous, though. If you can safely reach your breaker box without having to stand in or go through water, cut the electricity to the house. This will prevent you from accidentally being electrocuted.

Turn Off The Main Water Supply

In most homes, are there are two mains, and both will be at the meter. Usually, there is one outside and then one inside the home. As they are not used often, you will probably need to use a wrench. You may even need a silicone lubricant to help loosen the fitting.

Call A Plumber

Once you have cut both the electricity and the water, the next step is to call a plumber immediately. This isn't a job for the average do-it-yourselfer. When a water pipe bursts, it's rarely in a pipe that is easy to reach or even determine precisely where the leak is coming from. Unfortunately, this means water damage to the wall, insulation, flooring, and maybe even the wiring.

Call A General Contractor

Once a plumbing repair service has fixed your pipes, depending on the damage, you may need to call someone to come and fix all the other problems. Be sure to ask your plumber if he recommends anyone.

Call A Water Restoration Company

Unless the leak was very small and contained, you will likely need the services of a water restoration company as well. Water can cause extensive damage to your home. It's not just ruined flooring. Excess water can cause major mold and mildew problems, which will cause your home's wood to rot.

Mold and mildew can also cause severe health problems. The mold spores will negatively affect your air quality, and your HVAC system will distribute the spores throughout your home. This will wreak havoc in those with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues. An excess of mold in the home can cause other problems as well, such as chronic fatigue syndrome. A water restoration company like Cove Plumbing Inc can assess the damage and recommend the right course of action.