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.
Cleaning Up Water Damage After a Pipe Burst
Turn off your water and power supply
When you see water damage after a pipe burst, the first thing to do is turn off the water and power supply. Acting quickly by shutting off the water can help minimize the damage. The main shut-off valve is usually in your basement or near the 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.
- Get Rid of Any Extra Water
After you’ve cleared the area, start removing any standing water. If your house is flooded with a few inches of water, use a pump or wet/dry vacuum. You can rent one from a nearby hardware store if you don’t own it. If the water level is shallow, you can use mops, old towels, and buckets to get rid of it.
- 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.
- Clean and Prevent Mold Growth
Even though the burst pipe involves clean water supply lines, it’s crucial to clean and disinfect the affected area and surfaces. Use a gentle soap to clean items that came into contact with water and let them dry. Then, wipe these items with a mixture of bleach (1 ¼ cups) and water (1 gallon) to further reduce the risk of mold growth. Make sure to dry them thoroughly after applying the bleach solution.
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.
- Let faucets drip at night.
- Open cabinet doors for warm air.
- Remove outside hoses.
- Insulate unheated areas.
- Keep home above 55°F.
- Drain hoses when cold.
By following these steps, you protect your home from water damage caused by burst pipes.
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.
