5 Steps for Water Mitigation After a Building Pipe Burst

8/31/2023 (Permalink)

Bursting pipes can lead to severe water damage.

When you notice that a pipe has broken or a supply line leaking at your West Valley City, UT, commercial building, it can bring on a sense of panic. Water could still be pouring in, but all you can think about is how to properly perform the pipe burst cleanup procedure.

These basic steps must be taken to keep damage to a minimum.

1. Shut Off Electricity

First and foremost, in this situation, you must ensure that everyone remains safe. Turn off the electricity to the part of the building affected by the water, or to the entire building. If there are electronics, appliances, or outlets in the area, an electrical current could be in the water, so don't let anyone walk through it or touch anything until the electricity is shut off. If you can't navigate to the breaker box safely, call a professional electrician or the power company to shut it off before the water cleanup begins.

2. Remove Soaked Materials

Next, you must get all of the water-soaked material out of the building. Wet items will only contribute to the excess humidity that needs to be eliminated. Soaked carpets and drywall will have to be removed and won't be salvageable. Some porous items such as wooden or upholstered furniture may be salvageable if they can be completely dried soon enough.

3. Extract Standing Water

All standing water must be extracted as soon as possible. Every minute counts when it comes to water damage; standing water can wreak havoc indoors. A wet/dry is ideal for safely, quickly, and efficiently eliminating the water. It's a great tool to have on hand for water emergencies like a pipe burst cleanup. However, if you don't have one, many home improvement stores rent them. Mops and towels will also do the job.

4. Dry Everything

Everything in the affected area must be thoroughly dried as swiftly as possible. Besides structural damage, excess moisture can contribute to mold growth. Mold can begin growing within 24 hours of water exposure, and it can get out of control fast. Not only can standing water cause damage but humidity can also. If the humidity outside is lower than the indoor level, open windows and doors to let the fresh air blow through. You can also use fans, heaters, and dehumidifiers. Dehumidifiers can also be rented at home improvement and hardware stores. You must pay close attention to the unit to empty the collected water when necessary. If you feel you cannot dry the area properly, water damage restoration professionals have the expertise and industrial-grade equipment for these situations.

5. Inspect for Damage

Finally, once the job is complete, it's essential to inspect for damage to be repaired as soon as possible. Ideally, you can have professionals inspect the area because they know where to find damage and how to best resolve the problem. They'll check for structural water damage and mold growth and determine any repairs or cleanup procedures that must be performed.

In a water disaster, such as a supply line leaking, it's advantageous to know what to do before the situation arises. A pipe burst cleanup will never be pleasant, but it can go more smoothly having a plan in place.