4 Steps To Take After a Pipe Break

5/23/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage in a home in Timberwood Park, TX.

Following These 4 Steps After a Pipe Break

If your Timberwood Park, TX, home has ever been a victim of bursting pipes, you likely know that time is of the essence whenever the possibility of lasting damage is involved. Here are four things to do immediately after a pipe break.

1. Turn Off the Water
Your best bet for minimizing damage after a pipe breaks is to turn off your home's water. The main shut-off is typically found near your water heater or in your basement. If your pipe broke because it froze, open all the faucets in your home, too. This lets any water inside the drain, preventing another round of frozen pipes.

2. Call Professionals Who Know How To Handle Bursting Pipes
Your second step should be to call a water damage mitigation company. Even if you're confident that you know how to fix broken pipe connections or repair a leaky vent pipe, the risk for secondary damage such as mold makes this type of cleanup a job best left to experts. They have the professional-grade equipment and safety gear required to do a thorough job.

3. Begin Removing Water
Next, start mopping up the water. If you have a wet/dry vacuum or even an impressive towel collection, it's time to put it to work.
The exception to this — and it's a very important one — is if electricity is involved. If electronics and other electrical equipment have been soaked, avoid them completely. Similarly, if the electrical outlets are underwater in the affected area, do not enter that room at all.

4. Start Ventilating the Space
Once you've removed as much water as you can, help airflow through the affected space. Ideally, this would involve opening windows wide. If that's impossible, make sure your home's fan is running constantly and/or turn on any ceiling or portable fans.
Bursting pipes are never a welcome surprise. Follow these four steps in the aftermath, and you can minimize damage and expedite the cleanup process.