Nobody wants to hear the words “burst pipe.” In seconds, water can fill a room. This is why immediately attending to a burst or leaking pipe is essential. Leave the guesswork out of a water pipe burst with Clean-Up & Total Restoration. We’re the local burst pipe remediation company you can count on.
In situations like this, act fast. Know that water won’t just go away on its own. If left untreated, you should expect mold to develop in as little as 24 hours. Before you can successfully mitigate a burst pipe, know the signs.
Table of Contents
Signs of Burst Pipe
Stop water damage in its tracks by knowing how to spot it. Sometimes auditory and sometimes visual, there are several ways to tell if an internal pipe has burst.
- Odd Noises: Most commonly found in walls, you’ll likely hear a ‘running’ sound. Water may sound like it’s flowing at a rapid pace.
- Visible Water Damage: Blackened or darkened spots may indicate a leak. If stains have appeared on a usually dry area, consider that a concrete sign of water damage.
- Reduced Water Pressure: Notice your water pressure is lower than usual? This could be due to a decrease in water pressure from a burst pipe.
- Water Sounds Without a Tap Running: Your faucet shouldn’t make any noise when not in use. If you hear a running or dripping sound from your dormant tap, there’s likely a leak somewhere.
7 Steps to Take If a Pipe Bursts in Your Home
Don’t panic, there are a few things you can do. Before calling a professional, you can mitigate water damage before it becomes serious. With a few small yet effective steps, you’ll be able to both locate and halt flooding water.
Shut Off The Main Water Line
First, locate the main water line. Once located, switch the main valve off. This will effectively halt the flow of water. You won’t have to worry about any new puddles while trying to combat current damage.
If you can’t locate the main water line, call a professional to perform an inspection and shut-off procedure.
Clean Up Water
If you have a mop, go ahead and pull it out. Mop up all present water as much as you can. It helps minimize the chance for water damage to develop further.
Call the Professionals
Regardless of the reason, contact a local water damage restoration company that can effectively stop water. Call them to successfully clean up any area that you couldn’t get to.
Drain the Faucets
Draining your faucets prevents more water from running. Start with draining cold water, as it’s less of a shock to the system. Make sure to turn off your water heater before you begin.
Document Your Loss
Take pictures of everything. From drywall and floors to ceilings, document every water-damaged area. This will help you in filing a claim with your insurance provider.
CTR will handle this process for you as long as you have clear evidence of loss.
Ventilate Fresh Air
An effective natural drying technique is ventilation. If weather permits, pop open a window and let the fresh air in. Although time-consuming, this is a good way to remove water before the professionals arrive.
If you have an attic, you can try using your attic fan.
Common Causes For Pipe Bursts
Know that burst pipes aren’t the end of the world. They may cause temporary water damage, but they aren’t unremediable.
Monitor your bathroom or kitchen pipes for any developing leaks. Pipes can burst at random, but knowing where they come from helps alleviate worry. Below are a few reasons why pipes burst.
Clogs or Blockages
Clogs and blockages create pressure inside pipes. Hair, food scraps, and other residue push against pipes, causing them to burst. Iron may be durable, but it can’t prevent blockages from piling up. Treat this with immediate action.
Age or Wear
Sometimes pipes just get old. After years of full-service power, they just won’t work the way they used to.
In some cases, a professional repair service may help. Enlist a local pipe restoration service provider to inspect and repair your worn-down pipes.
Freezing Temperatures
When temperatures drop below freezing, so can your pipes. Cold weather has a huge impact on the functionality of your pipes, making it difficult to successfully heat or funnel water. If your pipes have frozen, they’re at an even greater risk of bursting.
Read More: 3 Signs of Frozen Pipes & How to Respond
High Water Pressure
Similarly to freezing water, high water pressure can damage pipes. It creates openings, allowing water to flow freely onto your kitchen or bathroom floor.
Tree Root Intrusion
Main pipes are located underground. Because of this, tree roots may grow in their path and even puncture them. Watch out for underground intrusions by having a professional inspect your main line.
Poor Installation
With poor effort comes a poor outcome. Faulty pipe installation can cause pipes to burst due to poor craftsmanship. If it’s not installed properly, how can it function?
How Much Damage Can a Busted Water Pipe Cause?
Don’t underestimate the impact of a broken water pipe. Widespread flooding can damage multiple rooms in a home, leading to significant restoration costs for the homeowner.
The key is to catch a busted water pipe early. If left undetected, water damage can lead to a devastating outcome, including unhealthy air quality, mold, and foul odors. Save your Idaho home from burst pipe consequences like:
- Damage to Structure & Interiors
- Mold Development
- Potential Increased Premiums
- High Restoration Costs
Call CTR For Burst Pipe Water Damage Cleanup
Clean up the entirety of your Idaho property with CTR’s certified care. We’re locally endorsed in the Greater Boise Area for our fast-acting, comprehensive burst pipe water damage cleanup.
It’s not just about cost—your belongings, furniture, and interior structures are invaluable to you. That’s why we extend 24/7 burst pipe recovery services to our Idaho customers.
