Freezing temperatures take a toll on a home’s piping system. Frozen pipes often leak or burst, causing extensive damages that can cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to repair.
Although homeowners shouldn’t attempt to fix a burst pipe without the proper tools and training, there are a few ways to limit the damages while they wait for their plumber and water damage repair company.
All Nation Restoration put together this guide laying out the steps homeowners should take to deal with a burst pipe. Its team has extensive experience with frozen and burst pipes and understands the best practices to minimize the issue. Here are a few tips and tricks to help homeowners treat a burst pipe.
The Process of Water Damage Repair After a Cold Snap Bursts a Pipe
Step One: Turn Off the Water Supply
When water freezes, it expands, increasing the pipe’s internal pressure from around 40 PSI to 40,000 PSI. Since pipes can only handle so much pressure, they burst, causing extensive water damage to the home.
Before a homeowner addresses a burst pipe, they must cut off the water supply to stop the leak from getting worse. Most homeowners can find the main shut-off valve across or near the exterior pipe’s entrance. Turning off the water supply reduces the chances of additional leaks or bursts.
It’s also a good idea to open a faucet or two after shutting off the water supply to relieve some pressure from the pipes. Relieving the excess pressure also prevents further damages, leaks, and pipe bursts.
Step Two: Check the Electrical System
It’s no secret that electricity and water don’t mix. That’s why it’s vital to turn off the electrical system before it affects your appliances and electronic devices. If you can safely access the breaker box or fuse panel, turn it off to stop electricity from flowing to the affected region.
Turning off the electricity keeps homeowners safe while they wait for an electrician and water damage repair company to arrive. Always leave electrical issues to the professionals since they are highly dangerous and can cause severe injuries or even death.
Step Three: Address the Leak and Document the Damage
Once the homeowner turns off the water supply and electricity, they can safely address the leak. If possible, temporarily mend the burst pipe with a metal clamp. The metal clamp prevents further leakage and water damage while the homeowner waits for the professionals.
After addressing the broken pipe, begin documenting the water damage. Snapping photos of the affected regions helps the homeowner and their restoration contractor deal with insurance companies once they file a claim.
Step Four: Deal with the Water and Dry the Area
After the homeowner documents the damage, they can start removing the floodwater. Use a mop (or shop-vac if possible) to soak up the water and drain it into a large bucket. You can also place old newspapers and towels over the area to pick up the water swiftly.
Contact All Nation Restoration for High-Quality Water Damage Repair in Austin, TX
If you need water damage repair in Austin, TX, contact the experts at All Nation Restoration. They can handle even the toughest water damage repair projects at a price that fits your budget.
Call All Nation Restoration at (512) 934-8180 and see what its team can do for you today!
