Burst pipe in New Jersey? What to do in the first 24 hours

First, stop the water

Shut off the main water valve. In most New Jersey homes it is in the basement or utility room where the water line comes through the foundation wall. If water is near outlets, fixtures or the electrical panel, turn off the power to those areas, but only if you can do it without standing in water.

Document before you clean

Your adjuster will want to see the damage as it was. Before anything is moved or thrown out, take photos and video of every affected room, the ceiling, the floors and the source of the leak if you can see it.

• Wide shots of each room, then close-ups of the damage.
• The failed pipe, fitting, supply line or appliance.
• Damaged belongings. Keep them until the adjuster has seen them.
• Water marks on walls and ceilings, with something in the frame for scale.

Call your insurance company

Report the loss and write down the claim number. Ask whether a field adjuster or a desk adjuster is assigned, and ask about Additional Living Expense coverage if the home is not livable.

Start drying the same day

Wet drywall, hardwood and cabinets get worse by the hour, and mold can start within a few days. Most policies expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent more damage. A professional dry-out company sets up air movers and dehumidifiers and takes moisture readings every day. Those readings matter to your adjuster, so keep copies.

What not to do

• Do not throw out damaged materials before the adjuster sees them or approves it.
• Do not close up walls or paint before moisture readings say the area is dry.
• Do not sign a contract you have not read, especially one that assigns your insurance benefits to someone else.

Then plan the rebuild

Once the home is dry, the rebuild starts with an itemized estimate your adjuster can review, room by room. If your home has plaster, custom millwork or hardwood, the original materials should be recorded before demolition so the repair matches.