What to Do If You Have Water Damage from Broken Pipes
1/20/2025 (Permalink)
Broken pipes can cause a sudden and stressful water damage emergency in your home or business. Whether it’s a burst pipe due to freezing temperatures or an aging pipe giving way, the resulting water damage can escalate quickly. Acting fast can minimize the damage and save you money in repairs. Here are the steps to take if you’re dealing with water damage from broken pipes:
1. Turn Off the Water Supply
The first step is to stop the flow of water. Locate your main water shutoff valve and turn it off immediately. This will prevent further flooding and give you time to assess the situation safely.
2. Turn Off Electricity in Affected Areas
Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. If water has seeped into walls or floors where electrical outlets or appliances are present, turn off the electricity in those areas from your circuit breaker. Never step into standing water if you suspect it’s electrically charged.
3. Remove Standing Water
Use a mop, towels, or a wet/dry vacuum to remove standing water as quickly as possible. This helps reduce further damage to flooring and furniture and minimizes the risk of mold growth.
4. Protect Your Belongings
Move furniture, rugs, and personal items out of the affected area. If possible, elevate furniture to prevent water from soaking into legs and bases. For valuable or sentimental items, ensure they are dried and stored in a safe location.
5. Ventilate and Dry the Area
Open windows and doors to improve ventilation. Use fans, dehumidifiers, and air movers to dry the area thoroughly. However, depending on the extent of the water damage, professional drying equipment may be necessary to prevent mold and structural damage.
6. Document the Damage
Take photos and videos of the damage before making any repairs. This documentation will be helpful when filing an insurance claim. Make a list of damaged items and save receipts for any temporary repairs or supplies you purchase.
7. Check for Hidden Damage
Broken pipes can cause water to seep into walls, ceilings, and subfloors. This hidden damage can lead to structural issues and mold if not addressed. A professional water damage restoration service, like SERVPRO of Levittown, can perform a thorough inspection to identify and repair hidden damage.
8. Contact Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company of the water damage as soon as possible. They will guide you on the claims process and provide instructions for filing a claim.
9. Call SERVPRO of Levittown for Professional Help
Handling water damage from broken pipes can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to thoroughly drying your property and preventing mold. SERVPRO of Levittown has the expertise, equipment, and experience to restore your property quickly and efficiently.
Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies. We’ll assess the damage, extract water, dry your property, and restore it to pre-damage condition. With SERVPRO, you can trust that your home or business is in good hands.
Why Choose SERVPRO of Levittown?
- 24/7 Emergency Service
- Highly Trained Water Restoration Technicians
- Advanced Drying Equipment and Techniques
- Locally Owned and Operated
Don’t let water damage from broken pipes disrupt your life. Call SERVPRO of Levittown today for fast and professional water damage restoration.
We're Here to Help® — Every Step of the Way
When disaster strikes, you need a trusted partner to restore your property and peace of mind. At SERVPRO of Levittown, we’re committed to making it “Like it never even happened.”