Water Damage from Burst Pipes

10/17/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra advises what to do if you experience a burst pipe.

A burst pipe in your home can cause serious trouble, and you want to do everything you can to prevent it from happening. While you can’t always prevent a burst pipe, knowing the causes will help you to take the necessary precautions to keep it from happening. There are several reasons a pipe may burst in your home.

• Corrosion can cause a pipe to burst. Corrosion occurs because of imbalances in your water’s pH or because of rust. Either way, the corrosion happens over a long period until the pipe finally gives out and either leaks or bursts. Rust is more common if you are using well water in your home.
• Pipe movement occurs accidentally in most cases. Sometimes drastic changes in the weather can cause pipes to shift, and that movement can cause a pipe to burst.
• Frozen pipes can burst. If you live in a warm climate, you may think you’re immune from frozen pipes, but the weather can be unpredictable, and you might experience a frozen pipe. This is especially true if your home isn’t well insulated, exposing the pipes to the cold.
• Clogs, while rare, can cause a pipe to burst. If you have a clog, water pressure can build around it and ultimately cause the pipe to leak or break.

How to Deal with a Burst Pipe

If you are unfortunate enough to experience a burst pipe, quick action on your part will minimize the damage to your home and belongings.

• Shut off the water – Know where the shut-off valve for your home is located and close it as soon as possible.
• Clear the water away - Clear away as much water as you can to prevent further damage to your home or the formation of mold.
• Drain your faucets – Drain your faucets to remove any water remaining in the system. Flush your toilets multiple times to drain the water out of those and turn off your water heater.
• Let in warm air – If your pipes are frozen, you need to thaw them out slowly to prevent more damage. If the pipe is under a cabinet, open the doors to let heat in.
• Turn up your heat or air conditioning - Keep doors open and let the air circulate through the house.
• Call the plumber – First, get the burst pipe repaired, and then deal with the aftermath.

What’s Next?

If you’ve experienced a burst pipe in your home, you’ll need help restoring any wet carpets, floors, or furniture after the plumber has completed his repairs. In these cases, it’s best to contact a company that has experience in water damage restoration, and SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra is the place to call.  We have a team of highly trained technicians on call 24/7, and we can restore your home or business properly and quickly.  

For additional information about the services we offer, visit our website or call us at 904-246-6118.