Water damage after a pipe burst in homes or businesses has a myriad of sources, making it possible to happen at any time. There are sources of water damage from natural disasters such as floods or rainstorms. Water damage can also occur due to internal issues like a broken pipe or a burst pipe. Because of its many sources, water damage has become the most common cause of property damage.

Water Damage After a Pipe Burst

Though it is not common, water damage after a pipe burst is another major problem that may occur in your home or business. This situation mostly occurs in the winter months, when the temperatures are at freezing levels. But, it can also occur due to wear-and-tear, high water pressure, and manufacturer’s defects. No matter how it appears, it is important to act fast.

When a pipe bursts, it can spill hundreds of gallons of water per hour. This excess water can soak the porous building materials of your home such as wood and drywall. If not addressed immediately will allow the damage to become worse, leaving you with thousands of dollars in damage. Not to mention the possibility of dealing with mold growth. So, you must start your cleanup efforts right after the water event.

Read along to learn the steps on how to clean up water damage after a pipe burst as well as some ways on how to prevent it from occurring again in the future. 

How To Clean Up Water Damage After A Pipe Burst

Turn off your water and power supply

The first thing you have to do as soon as you notice water damage after a pipe burst is to shut off the water supply. The sooner you do this, the higher your chances of reducing the damage. The main water shut-off valve is most likely located in your basement or near your water heater. 

Depending on the affected location and the amount of water, you may also need to shut off your power supply. If you suspect that the water has come into contact with any of your electrical outlets or faucets, you should take more caution. Do not step on the standing water and turn off the electricity immediately. Contact a professional if you cannot safely turn off the power. 

Document The Damage For An Insurance Claim

Another important thing to do during water damage after a pipe burst is to document it. Documenting the damage to your home is necessary for insurance claims. They will serve as evidence of the damage. So make sure to take as many photos as possible as well as videos and notes of your damaged belongings.

Begin the Cleanup process

If your home sustains water damage after a pipe burst, it is important to dry the affected areas immediately. Here are the steps that you should take after a water leak;

• Move Wet Items

In this time of a disaster, time is very crucial. The longer these items are soaked in water, the lesser chance you have to save them. So, it is important to remove everything you can from the affected area to a dry and safe place, including carpets, furniture, and electronics. This will keep them from suffering further damage. 

• Remove Any Excess Water

Once the area is clear, you should begin getting rid of any standing water. If your house is flooded with a few inches of water, you will want to use a submersible pump or wet/dry vacuum. You can rent it from your local hardware store if you don’t have one. If the standing water is shallow, you can just use mops, old towels, and buckets to remove the water. 

• Dry The Wet Areas

After you have cleaned up the standing water, you should begin drying the affected areas. Open windows and doors to increase air circulation. Set up fans and turn them into their highest settings. You should also consider using a dehumidifier to help remove any excess moisture from the air. 

• Disinfect And Prevent Mold Growth

Though a burst pipe involves supply lines with clean water, it is still important to clean and disinfect the affected area and surfaces. Use a mild detergent to clean the items or materials that came into contact with water and allow it to dry. After that, using a bleach solution (1 ¼ cups of bleach with 1 gallon of water), wipe down these items, and dry them again. Applying bleach on these items can also help reduce the potential for mold growth. 

How To Prevent Water Damage After a Pipe Bursts

Undoubtedly, any homeowner would take ways to prevent this dreadful and often expensive experience of dealing with water damage from a burst pipe. So, here are some ways to prevent your pipes from bursting in the future. 

• Allow your faucets to run a small trickle of water during night time. 
• Open cabinet doors to allow warm air to get into your cabinet. 
• Disconnect your hoses from the outside faucet. 
• Consider adding insulation to unheated areas of your home where pipes are also located. This may include your garage, attic, or unfinished basement. 
• Check the temperature of your home and prevent it from dropping below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Drain outside hoses when the water begins to get colder. 

Professional Water Damage Restoration Services

If your home suffers from water damage after a pipe burst, take action quickly to limit the damage. If not taken care of immediately, water can wreak havoc on your home or business. However, in some cases, you may not be able to solve the damage on your own, as you don’t have enough equipment and knowledge on how to do the job properly. So, if you are in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact Superior Restoration.

We, at Superior Restoration, offer professional water damage restoration services. Using advanced equipment and methods, rest assured that we restore your home to its pre-damaged condition. Contact our local office today, Water Damage Riverside.