The Steps Of Cleanup For A Burst Pipe
Turn Off The Water
You will need to shut off your water (and potentially your power) before the restoration company comes so you can prevent further damage while you wait for them. If you need to go through the water in your home to shut off the water valve, wear rubber boots and take care to not touch the water with your bare skin in case the water is contaminated (although many burst pipes contain clean water, it is possible for septic pipes). You may also want to shut off your electricity, especially if the water has risen to the height of electrical outlets.
Remove Personal Items
After the water has been shut off, you will likely want to let the restoration company handle the rest, although you may be able to clear some personal items out of the way. Anything that has become wet from the burst pipe can be handled by the restoration company, but it can be helpful for you to remove items that might cause tripping hazards or make the space otherwise difficult for the experts to maneuver around. Ensure that any staircases and hallways are clear of clutter and pets aren’t in the way. The restoration experts will remove or dry any personal belongings that are in the flooded area during cleanup.
Clean Up The Water
Restoration experts have specialty equipment to remove water. They may use a submersible pump, a wet-dry shop vac, heavy-duty squeegees, and more. They will start by removing the bulk of the water and then the cleanup crew will work to remove all water in difficult-to-handle areas. This may involve lifting the carpet or flooring to remove water that has soaked through. The area may still be damp, but no water should be visible.
Dry Out The Area
Once the majority of the water is cleared away, the area will need to be dried. The cleanup crew may use dehumidifiers or fans and they will open windows to allow for proper air circulation.
Get Rid Of Damaged Materials
Although parts of your home will dry, some materials may be ruined. Wet carpet pads tend to crumble and fall apart, and drywall can warp or crumble. These materials can develop mold if not removed. Other materials in your home that may need to be removed include laminate flooring, hardwood flooring, cabinets, ceilings, and furniture.
Fix The Pipe
Once cleanup is largely handled and the area is dry, the pipe can be fixed. If the section of the burst pipe is in the wall or flooring, this area will be cut open to adequately expose the pipe. The damaged section of the pipe will be cut out, replaced, and tested before the area can be closed again.
Disinfect
Just because the water is dry at this point, doesn’t mean the cleanup is over. Even if the burst pipe only contained clean water, all areas that became wet still need to be disinfected so that mold doesn’t grow. The area may also need to be deodorized.
Restore
Once cleanup is complete, the area can be restored to its pre-flood conditions. This includes rebuilding any damaged drywall, replacing and relaying the flooring, and returning furniture and appliances to their place. By the end of the restoration process, everything affected by the burst pipe will look completely normal.
Burst Pipe Cleanup In Calgary
If you have any water damage that has occurred from a burst pipe, a restoration company cleanup crew can quickly and professionally control and remediate the area. Burst pipes in the winter are common and although there are steps you can take to avoid winter flood damage, it’s always best to know what to do in case of an emergency. If your pipe bursts, call 24/7 Restoration any time, night or day, on our emergency line for immediate services. Our expert cleanup crew will remove all damage and restore your home to pre-flood conditions. If you have any questions contact 24/7 Restoration by filling out the online contact form, and for immediate assistance, call us at 1-403-247-4365.
FAQ
Q: How quickly can mold start to grow if the water is not properly removed?
A: Mold can start growing within 72 hours of exposure to moisture.
Q: Does 24/7 Restoration charge for estimates?
A: Our estimates are 100% free and we are committed to being super responsive when flooding occurs in your home or business.
Q: Can I clean up water damage on my own?
A: If the only water damage is some wet rugs or mildew, you can clean this up on your own. However, if the water damage has damaged any of your walls or flooring or if mold (which is different from mildew) has started to develop, you should call a professional restoration company to ensure everything is removed and replaced properly. If the water leaking is sewage water, do not attempt to clean this yourself.
