Burst pipe and water damage checklist for Spanish Fork

Most winter water damage here starts with a frozen line: a pipe in an exterior wall, a garage, a crawl space or a sprinkler system. Spring adds basement seepage and sump problems. Work down this list in order.

Right now

1. Close the main valve. In many homes it is in the basement or utility room where the line enters the house. If a sprinkler or outdoor line split, close its separate valve too.
2. Kill power to wet areas. If water reached outlets, a furnace, a water heater or the panel, stay out and call an electrician or your utility.
3. Open faucets to drain the remaining water from the lines once the main is off.
4. Do not thaw a frozen pipe with an open flame. Use a hair dryer or space heater kept well clear of anything that can burn, and only once the water is shut off.
5. Record everything: photos and video of the split pipe, the water line on walls, and damaged belongings, before cleanup starts.
6. Treat sewage or outside floodwater as contaminated. The EPA recommends a professional experienced with contaminated water in that case. (EPA, A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home)

Within 24 to 48 hours

• Get air moving and the humidity down: open interior doors, run fans and a dehumidifier if power is safe. The EPA says drying within 24–48 hours usually prevents mold growth. (EPA, A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home)
• Pull wet rugs, boxes and stored items out of the basement first; cardboard and carpet pad wick water fast.
• Leave the furnace fan off if supply or return ducts took on water; EPA advises against running a system you suspect is contaminated. (EPA, A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home)
• Call your insurer, get a claim number, and ask whether an adjuster wants to see the damage before materials are removed.

Questions to ask any restoration company

• Utah license: Repair and rebuild work generally requires a contractor license from the Division of Professional Licensing. Get the number and check it with the Utah DOPL License Lookup & Verification. (Utah DOPL, Contracting FAQ)
• Proof of insurance: a current certificate of liability insurance, and workers’ compensation if they have employees.
• Drying standard: whether the crew works to the IICRC S500 standard; firms can be looked up through the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification).
• Daily moisture logs: readings and photos for each day of drying, which insurers often ask for.
• What is in the price: extraction, equipment days, removal of wet drywall or pad, and whether rebuild is included or a separate contract.
• Permits: whether any repair needs a Spanish Fork City building permit, and who pulls it.
• Paperwork: read anything that assigns insurance benefits to the company, and ask your insurer before signing.
• Payment: a deposit and an itemized final invoice, not full payment up front.

General information only; not legal or insurance advice.