While not all pipe breaks are readily identifiable as being dangerous or damaging to your home, rest assured that any uncontrolled source of water that enters your home could be a potential source of money that you will lose to repairs or replacement. A pipe break is among the most common, and the most expensive, types of water damage that can occur within a home. Not all pipe breaks are the same, but you will need to deal with the following issues first and foremost:

• Is the pipe currently active, and if so, can it be shut off to stop the flow of water?
• Where was the pipe located? Is there electric wiring nearby?
• Has there been any flooding, including standing pools of water?
• Is the pipe located in a ceiling, where it can drip to the floor and cause additional damage?

As mentioned, a pipe break can happen in a lot of areas of the home. A pipe break in the basement could lead to flooding and standing pools of water which will require immediate attention. A pipe break in a bathroom or kitchen may not create standing pools of water if your room is at ground level, but could damage your flooring, create a slipping hazard, and promote the growth of dangerous mold.