24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE
Author: Andrea Caruso
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Don’t wait – take action and call a pro to avoid catastrophic water damage
From dramatic geysers to small leaks, water main breaks are serious infrastructure failures that can cause extensive damage to local facilities and private properties.
These breaks are typically caused by a combination of factors, especially aging, corroded pipes, high water pressure, and temperature fluctuations, which is why so many of these incidents happen in the transitional spring season.
In the event of one of these emergencies, it’s important to be prepared to act immediately to limit the impact on your own property and that of your neighbours.
Here are the first steps you need to take:
Find out if the water main break is on private or public property
The first thing you need to do if you suspect a broken water main is report it to your municipality and see if there is any information available. There are different approaches you’ll need to take based on where the water main burst occurs.
Breaks that happen to public infrastructure will need to be addressed by that municipality, from turning off the water supply at the property line, submitting emergency service orders, conducting repairs, and covering the costs of the work.
If it is on the private portion of a water service pipe, the property owner is responsible for conducting repairs; determining if it’s a domestic or fire line; including fees to turn the water on and off.
No matter where the break happens, it’s a good idea to turn off the main water supply to your building and limit your water use until repairs are completed – this is your first line of defence against damage. Conserve water by draining and capturing it from faucets throughout the property – if the temperatures are cooler, this will also keep pipes from freezing and bursting.
Assess and document your property
If you can still access your property, it’s important to assess it as best you can for damages and potential vulnerabilities. Take notes, pictures and videos, and submit them to your insurance company if you need to make any claims because of flooding or mould resulting from the break.
Keeping safety in mind, try to keep sewer grates clear of debris so that water can flow there, instead of through your foundation or into your basement.
Pay attention to updates from the city and local media
Property damage isn’t the only problem that can arise in the event of a water main break.
They can lead to boil water advisories and even evacuations, so it’s important to stay up to speed on developments to keep you and yours safe from contaminants and physical harms. Look for information from local media outlets and municipal websites.
Don’t delay – call an expert
The chaos of a water main break can happen suddenly at any time, and when they do occur, it’s easy to get overwhelmed thinking about immediate and long-term impacts.
Luckily, companies like Forest Contractors Ltd have experts available to provide emergency repair services any time, from start to finish – even shutting the water off! – giving you peace of mind so you can focus on the matters that are within your control.
The professionals at Forest Contractors Ltd. are ready to help with water main repairs day or night – all you have to do is call our 24/7 emergency service number at 416.524.3000 or email service@forestgroup.ca.