One moment, the house is quiet and calm. Next, the floor is flooded from a burst pipe, and anything you had planned for the day must be put on hold.
While it may seem out of nowhere, burst pipes are often the result of one of several scenarios: excessive building water pressure due to frozen pipes, corrosion, clogs, or shifting pipe positions. Regardless of the exact cause, it’s crucial to know what immediate steps to take in a water emergency so you can prevent water damage and repair your pipes fast.
This guide will help you take immediate action, dry out your house after a pipe burst, and restore your home to its previous condition.
4 Immediate Steps to Take After a Pipe Bursts
A water emergency of any kind is incredibly stressful. But don’t panic—the following steps can help you mitigate damage.
- Ensure It’s Safe to Stop the Leak
Before attempting to stop the pipe leak, ensure the area is safe. If it isn’t, evacuate and wait for mitigation professionals to arrive at your property before taking any action.
It’s essential to turn off the electricity in certain cases, especially when water comes into contact with and enters electrical outlets. But if you suspect this has already happened, stay away from the site altogether.
- Turn Off the Water Line
Once you locate the burst pipe, do not attempt to cover the leak yourself. The only way to stop the flow of water is to turn off the main water line in your house.
To do this, you’ll have to locate the water cut-off valve. This may be inside or outside of the home. Common locations include the basement, laundry room, or the outer perimeter of your home.
With the electricity off and the valve closed, you can open up all of the faucets in the house. Doing this will help empty the pipes of any leftover water.
- Call a Professional Mitigation Company
Regardless of how quickly you turn off the water line and drain the pipes of leftover water, if a burst pipe has caused a large spill, your home is at risk of water damage. However, fast help from a certified professional can prevent mold and further damage.
A water damage restoration company provides professional water extraction, drying services, and complete home restoration if necessary. Upon arriving at your property, the restoration team will locate the root source of the pipe burst and make repairs that last.
- Remove Some Water Yourself
Emergency restoration companies should arrive at your property swiftly. Even in the short time before they arrive, you may be tempted to remove some of the water yourself using a bucket. Only do so if you are certain the water is clean. Note the three categories of water damage:
- Category 1: Clean Water, considered sanitary and not a threat to human health (from broken pipes, overflowing sinks, and leaky appliances).
- Category 2: Grey Water, containing some degree of chemical or biological contaminants (from washing machines and sump pump backups).
- Category 3: Black Water, containing hazardous pathogenic agents (sewage, flood water, and seawater).
Water from a burst pipe should be safe to clean up, but be sure to evaluate the water’s quality before handling it. If you suspect Category 2 or 3 water damage, or if you’re unsure, wait for personnel to arrive at your property.
How Professionals Dry the House After a Pipe Burst
When the water damage restoration team arrives, team members will first ensure the leak has stopped and everyone in the house is out of harm’s way. Then, they will begin the drying process, following the steps outlined in the water damage restoration process.
Assessment
The team will document the pipe damage, determine the cause, and make a plan for repairs. Many restoration companies, including Valley Restoration, will also work with your insurance company on a claim if needed.
Water Extraction
Professionals utilize industry-standard water extraction tools to remove standing water from homes. Specialized tools are used for more absorbent surfaces, such as carpet and drywall.
Moisture Detection
During a water emergency, moisture can seep into corners and crevices, creating ideal conditions for mold growth. After removing obvious pools of water, technicians will locate intrusion points and inspect the area for hidden moisture spots.
Drying and Dehumidifying
To ensure absolutely no excess moisture, air circulation tools are used to dry the water-damaged rooms. Many restoration companies use powerful HVAC systems to dry furniture, flooring, and carpet.
Repairs and Restoration
The restoration team will ensure your pipes are fully secure and functional before closing your case. The pipe repair job will vary depending on the exact cause of the pipe burst. For example, if the pipe broke due to corrosion, the technician may not only fix the broken one but also inspect surrounding pipes for potential leaks and take proactive measures to fortify your pipes.
Likewise, if your burst pipe caused irreparable damage to the room where it occurred, your team will work with you to develop a plan for rebuilding. Along with cleaning up your space, they will restore the structural integrity of your floors, walls, and other home materials.
Full-Service Water Damage Restoration in the Wood River Valley
In the event of an unexpected home emergency, such as a burst pipe, Valley Restoration is on the job. Since 1968, we’ve helped families and business owners in the Wood River Valley area take the right steps to restore their properties in the face of disaster. For 24/7 disaster recovery service in Ketchum, Sun Valley, Hailey, and Bellevue, Idaho, contact Valley Restoration today.
Schedule a restoration appointment today at 208-788-2789.