What to Do When a Pipe Bursts

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

Water pipes can burst at any time in your home or business. Unfortunately, broken or leaking pipes are hard to detect. However, they could cause severe and costly water damage when left unattended. In addition, extreme water pressure, freezing temperatures, or clogs cause pipe bursts. 

If you experience such events, quick action is crucial to prevent extensive water damage and reduce the risk of mold growth. 

A minor drip from a damaged pipe can suddenly become a torrent of flooding water that you can’t control. Whether water is soaking into drywall, flooring, or carpeting, you must stop the flow of water immediately. 

What to Do When a Pipe Bursts: 6 Steps to Take ASAP

When a pipe bursts, the three things you must do is shut off the water supply, call a plumber, and then call experts in water damage restoration. After shutting down the water supply, it is time to assess that damage. But water damage restoration is always required because excess moisture causes serious secondary problems. 

Here are all the steps in detail to take when a pipe bursts. 

1. Turn off your water and drain the faucets

Shut off your water when a pipe bursts to reduce water damage. Next, open your faucets to drain the water that remains in supply lines. This releases water pressure in the plumbing system and helps to prevent further water damage.

2. Call a plumber

The quicker you call a plumber, the better. Fixing the burst pipe and restoring the water supply to your home are of primary importance. Remember that it will take a plumber time to arrive, fix the problem, and turn the water on again, even in an emergency. 

3. Clear the water

Even before the water damage restoration team arrives, you should clear away as much water as possible. This is the best way to prevent mold growth. However, always wear protective clothing because there could be a risk of contamination. 

4. Open windows and crank up the heating

Water damage restoration experts use specialized evaporation, heating, and dehumidifying equipment to dry your home. However, you can start the drying process by turning up the heat in your home. Then open doors and windows in your home to improve air circulation. This can help prevent a buildup of air moisture and helps to dry your home faster. 

5. Document the damage

The chances are that your home insurance company will cover the damage caused by a burst pipe. So, it’s a good idea to take pictures of the mess, damaged belongings, and anything else that may be relevant. 

6. Call a water damage restoration company

If you live in Dallas and have experienced a burst pipe, call SERVPRO of Dallas Love at (214) 272-7600. We are your local Dallas water damage restoration experts. We can mitigate the damage a water event causes and quickly get your home back to its former glory.