
A burst pipe is a homeowner’s worst nightmare. But fast action can minimize overall damage and costs.
Look for 24/7 emergency services and a company that specializes in cleaning, drying and restoration after water intrusion. A reputable restoration company will also assist with your insurance claim. They know what to look for and use specialized equipment to assess damage and locate hidden moisture pockets. Contact Water Damage Restoration Salt Lake City for more information.
Water Removal
While a sudden burst pipe can be disruptive and dangerous, professional restoration technicians follow a process that minimizes damage and protects the health and safety of your family. They start by extracting the water and drying affected areas as quickly as possible. This helps reduce the risk of structural damage, shortens repair times, and protects your personal belongings from mold and other long-term problems.
The first step in any burst pipe cleanup is to turn off the main water supply valve. This stops new water from entering your home and limits overall damage, but it’s also important to know where the valve is located in case you need to shut off water during a disaster. It’s also a good idea to include this information in your home emergency preparedness plan.
Once the water is turned off, professionals begin the extraction process using industrial pumps and extractors. They remove as much water as possible, moving furniture and other items to dry areas. Unsalvageable materials like soaked carpet padding and drywall are removed for cleaning or disposal, and moisture readings are taken to ensure all affected areas are completely dry.
One big mistake homeowners often make during a burst pipe is going into flooded areas before it’s safe to do so. Standing water can conduct electricity, and even if the power is turned off, electrical equipment may still be live. This can be fatal if you step in, so don’t attempt to move anything yourself during an emergency or wait for the professionals to arrive.
Another important thing to remember is that water doesn’t stop soaking into materials when you mop the floor or use fans to dry up the space. Drywall rots and warps, wood framing becomes soft and rotten, and mold develops inside walls where you can’t see it. Professionals begin addressing these issues as soon as they start working on the water removal and don’t stop until all areas are dry.
Before you hire a company for burst pipe cleanup, ask important questions to ensure they’re qualified and capable. Ask whether they’re available 24/7 for emergencies, and if they have IICRC certifications to prove they follow industry standards in water damage restoration.
Dehumidifiers
The sudden loss of water in your home due to a burst pipe can be very frightening. But the chaos of a flood can also lead homeowners to make mistakes that cause more damage and increase restoration costs.
One of the worst mistakes you can make is not shutting off the main water supply during a pipe burst. This simple action prevents new water from entering your home and limits total damage. Unfortunately, many people forget to do this and waste time searching for towels or moving furniture while hundreds of gallons of water pour into their homes.
Another big mistake is focusing only on the water you can see. Water travels and soaks into walls, floors, furniture, and electronics. This moisture holds on to drywall, rots wood framing, and promotes mold growth. It’s important to hire a professional water damage restoration company to take pictures of all affected areas, including the inside of walls and furniture. These photos will help insurance adjusters understand and approve your restoration claim. It’s also a good idea to keep receipts for hotel stays and other emergency expenses related to the burst pipe.
Professional burst pipe cleanup starts with the removal of as much standing water as possible. Then, industrial air movers and dehumidifiers work around the clock to remove excess moisture from building materials. The equipment is monitored daily and shut down only when moisture readings show that the building materials are completely dry. This process takes several days.
Dehumidifiers can be portable for specific rooms or integrated into HVAC systems for whole-house humidity control. They can also be used in museums, hospitals, or any place where sensitive electrical components need to be protected from moisture damage. In addition, dehumidifiers reduce mildew and mold by reducing the amount of moisture in the air. They can also improve indoor air quality, reduce musty odors, and enhance the performance of heating and cooling systems.
Air Scrubbers
When pipes burst, it can create a huge mess and a lot of damage. It can also cost homeowners thousands in water damage restoration and repairs. These costs can include flooded rooms and furniture, replacement of electronics and appliances, relocation expenses and even mold and mildew remediation. If the pipe burst was sudden and accidental your homeowners insurance may cover most of the expenses.
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is trying to handle the cleanup themselves. They think they can save money by mopping the visible water and running fans. This can actually increase the cost of a burst pipe by allowing hidden moisture to continue damaging building materials. Professional water damage restoration companies use specialized equipment and moisture readings to ensure your home is dry before they finish the job.
Another mistake people often make is waiting too long to call for help. A leaking pipe is an emergency situation and each hour that passes allows the damage to spread and increases the repair cost.
Water damage and freezing pipes are among the most common homeowner claims each year. There are a number of reasons for burst pipes including: Freezing temperatures: Pipes that are exposed to freezing temperatures can crack and rupture. Corrosion: Older pipes can corrode over time and break. Severe clogs: A severe clog can put a great deal of pressure on a pipe and cause it to burst.
If you have a pipe burst, shut off the main water supply to prevent additional damage, open all faucets and flush all toilets to drain the remaining water and relieve pressure, and call a plumber immediately. Be sure to take pictures of all damaged items for your insurance claim and keep receipts for any temporary housing expenses you incur while your house is being repaired.
If you find a water damage company to do your burst pipe cleanup, be sure they are IICRC certified. IICRC technicians follow industry standards to ensure your property is properly dried and to provide documentation for your insurance claim if needed. They can also test the moisture levels in different areas of your home to determine which materials need removal and which can be dried without removing them.
Structural Drying
When a pipe bursts or a leak occurs, the first thing you should do is shut off water and electricity to affected areas. Next, evacuate the area if possible. If you can’t leave, move valuable items to dry areas and take photos and videos for your insurance claim. Then call professional emergency restoration services to assess the damage and begin water removal and structural drying.
During the structural drying phase, professionals pump out remaining water with industrial pumps. They also use specialized drying equipment like commercial air movers and dehumidifiers to accelerate evaporation. They monitor moisture levels daily and adjust the equipment as needed. They continue this process until moisture readings confirm that all building materials are thoroughly dry.
Structural drying is critical to preventing secondary issues like mold growth. It also prevents permanent damage caused by prolonged moisture exposure. Mold spores need moisture to grow, and this can weaken wood and corrode metals. Prolonged moisture exposure can even compromise the integrity of drywall. Thorough structural drying preserves building materials and avoids costly mold remediation in the future.
Homeowners can do some structural drying with the right tools, but extensive damage usually requires professional help. IICRC-certified technicians have the training, specialized equipment, and knowledge to restore water damage and perform thorough structural drying. They also follow strict protocols that protect your family’s health and safety.
Trying to save money by handling burst pipe cleanup on your own may end up costing you in the long run. Incomplete water removal, insufficient ventilation, and the failure to detect concealed moisture pockets can lead to expensive problems down the line.
Mold rot and mold in framing members can cost thousands of dollars to repair. Extensive carpet and flooring replacement can add up, too. And if your family needs to relocate while the restoration process takes place, hotel and food costs can quickly add up.
Understanding the principles of applied structural drying can help you make wise decisions about professional restoration services. This innovative restoration process eliminates excessive moisture in both structural and non-structural building materials.



