What to Do When A Frozen Pipe Bursts

Homeowners have enough to worry about, but dealing with the aftermath of having a frozen pipe burst is not only a potentially damaging scenario, it’s also a very chilly emergency situation. This common cold-weather calamity requires immediate action to minimize the impact and safeguard your property from extensive water damage, and knowing what steps to take in the critical period immediately after the burst occurs can substantially lower the stress and potential costs involved with the water damage restoration.

In this post, we’re going to go over the essential steps you should take if you find yourself dealing with a burst pipe, from damage control during the event to professional restoration needed to get your space back to normal. Along the way, we’ll discuss why it’s crucial to leverage the professional expertise of a restoration service like PENCO Restoration to get through the complex aftermath of a water damage incident and get back your peace of mind.

What to Do Immediately After a Frozen Pipe Bursts

Whether you’re present when it happens or if you come home to the flood in progress, the most important thing to do is take action to stop things from getting worse. Here are the steps you should take after a frozen pipe bursts.

Shut Off the Water

Obviously, the first step is to find and shut off the main water supply. This will stop the flow of water and prevent the situation from getting any worse, allowing you to catch your breath and more fully assess things. If the shutoff for the specific source cannot be located, the water for the property will need to be turned off. 

Document the Damage

As soon as it’s safe, begin documenting the extent of the damage caused by the burst pipe. Take comprehensive photos and videos from multiple angles, capturing the areas affected by water and any visible damage to personal belongings, furniture, and the structure itself. 

Make sure all media is backed up to the cloud as well, for redundancy. This visual evidence will be invaluable when filing an insurance claim and will assist restoration professionals in developing a targeted action plan.

Start the Cleanup Process

As soon as possible, the water removal and general cleanup processes must begin. This is a critical step that can be a powerful factor in determining how serious and extensive the eventual cleanup effort is going to be. If the water is not removed quickly enough, the damage will be quickly exacerbated, dramatically increasing restoration and recovery costs. 

Use available tools such as mops, towels, and a wet/dry vacuum to clean up standing water. Elevate furniture on blocks or remove it from the affected area to prevent further damage. Increase airflow by opening windows and doors, weather permitting, to facilitate drying.

In nearly all cases, this is a step that should not be undertaken in a DIY capacity since it will typically require specialty drying equipment. This is even more important if the flooding contained any portion of blackwater or sewage, which could harbor dangerous contaminants and infectious agents.

Contact PENCO Restoration

Reach out to PENCO Restoration as soon as possible. Our team of water damage restoration experts is equipped to handle emergencies around the clock, providing swift and effective solutions to mitigate damage. Our experts will take over the restoration process, employing advanced techniques and equipment to extract water, dry out the premises, and restore your property to its pre-damage state.

Potential Issues: Mold Development and Structural Damage

After a frozen pipe bursts and water invades your home, two significant concerns need immediate attention: the potential for mold development and the risk of structural damage.

Mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours in damp environments, making swift water removal and drying processes critical after a burst pipe incident. Mold not only poses health risks, such as allergic reactions and respiratory issues, but can also cause damage to building materials, furnishings, and personal items.

Water from a burst pipe can seep into the structure of your home, weakening materials like wood and drywall and compromising the integrity of the building. Floors may warp, ceilings may sag, and walls might become unstable. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial to maintaining the safety and stability of your home.

The Importance of Calling PENCO Restoration

In the wake of a frozen pipe burst, the immediate steps you take can significantly influence the recovery process. However, for comprehensive restoration and to address potential issues like mold development and structural damage, it’s crucial to involve experts.

PENCO Restoration’s team of professionals begins with a thorough assessment of the water damage, identifying immediate risks, and formulating a strategic action plan. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology and advanced restoration techniques, PENCO Restoration efficiently tackles the challenges of water extraction, drying, and dehumidification. This allows you to return to a safe and dry environment sooner.

Prevent Future Incidents

Once the immediate crisis has been addressed, take proactive steps to prevent future incidents of frozen pipes. This may include insulating exposed pipes, sealing drafts in your home or business, and keeping the thermostat set to a consistent temperature, especially during cold weather.

Comprehensive Flooding Treatment by PENCO

Our approach to flooding treatment is more than just getting the water out–it’s a holistic set of services crafted to enable your property to recover to a pre-loss state more quickly than otherwise. Here’s what it typically entails:

• Thorough Water Extraction: This is the foundation of all effective flood treatments, and it involves the complete extraction of all standing water. We’ll use powerful pumps and vacuums to remove water quickly, minimizing the duration of exposure and reducing the potential for further damage.

• Advanced Drying and Dehumidification: Following water extraction, PENCO implements advanced drying techniques to eliminate moisture from flooring, walls, and other affected materials. Industrial-grade dehumidifiers are then used to remove airborne moisture, ensuring the environment is thoroughly dried and conducive to restoration.

• Mold Prevention and Remediation: In the aftermath of flooding, the risk of mold growth is significantly heightened. PENCO proactively addresses this risk by applying antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold spores from taking root. If mold is already present, their remediation experts employ effective techniques to remove it safely and prevent future occurrences.

• Structural Repairs and Restoration: The final step in our treatment process involves repairing any structural damage caused by the water. This may include reinforcing weakened walls, replacing damaged flooring, and repainting affected areas. Their skilled craftsmen work diligently to ensure that all repairs meet the highest standards of quality and durability.

Partner with PENCO for Peace of Mind

In conclusion, a burst pipe can be a stressful and disruptive event, but with the right approach and the help of professionals like Penco Restoration, you can navigate the aftermath successfully. Remember to act quickly, prioritize safety, and don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance when needed. With our comprehensive damage restoration services, we’re here to help you recover and restore your property, so you can get back to normalcy as soon as possible.

Choose PENCO Restoration for expert water damage recovery. With our 24/7 support and comprehensive solutions, we ensure your peace of mind and property’s rapid restoration.

No matter what your unique restoration needs are, we can help. Reach out online or call us at 770-766-9996