How to Prevent Long Term Water Damage in Your Home from a Burst Pipe

12/22/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration from a burst pipe in Kansas City.

Water damage doesn’t have to come from a massive source to cause a lot of problems. Even a small leak you are not aware of can really do a number on your home.

Burst pipes can cause a lot of damage. It’s not just the clean-up required, but the lasting damage it causes to the structure of your home. It can ruin floors, walls, your electrical system, the foundation, and encourage mold.

If you are unfortunate enough to have a pipe burst, there are some steps you need to take right away.

What To Do When Your Pipe Bursts

Regardless of when you discover the burst pipe, you must act quickly to prevent even more damage from the water.

Turn off Electricity

Water and electricity do not mix. Cut the main power to the home. Do not stand in water to do this, and if you are unable to reach it, call an electrician right away.

If you can do it from a different area, then proceed with caution. Make sure there is no pooling or standing water near the main switch. If there are already sparks, get out of the home and call your electrician.

Shut off The Water

Close the main water supply. This will prevent the leak or flood from continuing. Locate the valve that controls the source of water to your home and close it off tight to prevent more water from coming through.

If there is a valve on the pipe itself, close it off there, as well. It might seem obvious, but frozen water won’t flow until it is warmed up, so be aware there is still potential for flooding from the water frozen inside the pipe.

Remove Valuables

Try to save as many valuables as you can from the affected area. There may be furniture, boxes, rugs, or anything you may have stored there. Even if you aren’t sure if it can be salvaged you should still clear the area. SERVPRO specializes in restoring rather than replacing.

Remove Excess Water

Try to remove as much of the standing water as possible. If there is a floor drain, use whatever you have to direct the water down the drain. Depending on where the flood is, you may need to use buckets to remove it or mop it up.

The more water you can remove, the less chance it has to soak into the floors and surrounding areas. If there is a carpet, it will absorb a lot of water. You shouldn’t remove it yourself.

Call Your Insurance Company

Let them know what has happened and they will be able to guide you on what to do next. They may want you to take pictures and document everything that has been damaged or affected but the water. It’s always a good idea anyhow.

They will likely recommend a clean-up and restoration company. Pick one that will be able to show up right away and start working. A company that can handle the clean-up and the repairs are a good choice.

That makes it easier for everyone when you can trust the same team for everything. Our team at SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown can handle all your water damage problems.

We can handle any job, offer 24-hours emergency service, and are highly trained water damage specialists. If you have had a burst pipe or any type of water damage, contact us for all of your water damage restoration needs.

Water causes a lot of damage, so don’t wait too long to get it cleaned up and your home restored.