A sudden change in temperature leads to frozen water inside the pipes. And as the ice expands, it blocks the flow and builds up pressure and thus causes the pipe to burst. It can lead to serious water damage and often result in expensive repairs.
When the extent of water damage is large, a professional water damage restoration company is needed to tackle the situation.
To minimize the damage, here's a step-by-step guide to prevent it from happening again.
A Guide To Deal With Pipe Burst
Here are some of the common ways to deal with pipe bursts and their aftermath.
● Switch off the main water supply
The first and most important step is to stop the water flow. Locate the main water shut-off valve in your home and turn it off immediately. This prevents a water flooding situation in your home or business.
● Call a Professional to Repair the Pipe
Don't try to fix a burst pipe on your own, because when not done correctly, it can cause more harm. It is recommended to get professional help. A team of experts will come, inspect and repair the pipe. It is a more reliable and safer way to handle the situation.
● Remove Standing or Stagnated Water
Once the leak is repaired, the stagnated water needs to be removed. This water and moisture can harm your property, belongings and sometimes pose infectious bacteria harmful to health. Fans and a dehumidifier are needed to remove water and moisture.
● Disinfection
Once everything is dry, clean and disinfect all surfaces that come in contact with water. The underlying moisture may invite mold growth and other bacterial infections. Disinfection is done to ensure that the hygiene and humidity levels are checked thoroughly
● Contact Your Insurance Provider
Don't forget your insurance claims, and contact your insurance provider to know more details.
We are a professional restoration company offering professional help to tackle pipe bursts and other water damage situations. We handle insurance claims, water extraction, cleaning, and cleaning.
Ways To Prevent Freezing In Pipes
Prevention is always better than repair. Here are some of the ways to prevent freezing in pipes-
Maintain Temperature
● Maintain your home's thermostat at a minimum of 12°C, even when you're away.
● Leave cabinet doors open under sinks to allow ventilation.
● Tightly close all the taps.
Insulation and Sealing
● Insulate exposed pipes, especially those on outside walls or in unheated spaces like attics and basements.
● Seal any gaps or cracks that let cold air into the home, particularly near pipes.
Maintenance
● Fix leaking taps — even a small drip can freeze and block the pipe.
● Know the location of your stop valve and ensure everyone in the house does too.
● Regularly inspect your plumbing system and get minor issues fixed before winter.
Insurance
● Review your homeowner's insurance policy and ask about extra coverage options for water damage or emergencies specific to your location or property type.
Final Thoughts
When stuck in a situation like a burst pipe, you need an instant relief plan and professional help to reduce the risk of damage. Some steps need to be taken instantly, like shutting off the main water supply, and if the water comes in contact with any kind of electricity, it is advised to switch off the main electrical supply.
Apart from this, leave things in the hands of a trustworthy restoration company like ONT Restoration.
Stay prepared for Winters, and call ONT Restoration for any type of Water damage restoration.
