What To Do After a Pipe Breaks

12/31/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in a Rotunda West, FL home.

When a Pipe Breaks, What Should You Do?

When temperatures drop in Rotunda West, FL, water inside your pipes can freeze. As water freezes, it begins to expand and that expansion can cause your pipes to burst. Bursting pipes can do an incredible amount of damage in a short amount of time. While it’s natural to panic when water is gushing into your home, staying calm and acting fast can minimize the water damage. Follow this guide to deal with a broken pipe.

1. Turn off Your Water

Turn your water off at the main valve. This stops water from flowing into your house. The quicker you accomplish this, the less damage you’ll have.

2. Turn off Your Electricity and Gas If Necessary

If the water comes into contact with any electrical outlets or exposed wires, it can cause an electrical current to flow through the water. This presents a lethal hazard to anyone who comes into contact with the water. In these cases, it’s important to shut off the electricity. Likewise, if water comes into contact with any gas appliances you should call your gas company and tell them to shut off your gas.

3. Contact a Plumber

Call your plumber and let them know the situation. They’ll need to come to your home and fix the broken pipe.

4. Call a Water Damage Mitigation Specialist

If a lot of water was released by your bursting pipes, contact a water damage mitigation specialist in Rotunda West, FL, to handle the cleanup. They can extract the water and dry out the affected area quickly and efficiently. If water is left standing or materials aren’t dried out completely it can result in secondary damage and mold growth. The water evaporates, causing high humidity inside your home. This moisture in the air then condenses on ceilings and walls, causing water damage far from the original source. These damp materials are then a perfect breeding ground for mold.

Once you’ve managed the immediate dangers of bursting pipes, let an expert handle the cleanup. They’ll make sure your house is clean and dry as quickly as possible so you don’t have to worry about secondary damage to your home.