A burst pipe can bring about a massive headache to homeowners. Leaking caused by broken pipes can accumulate, leaving homeowners to potentially have to plan and pay for drastic repairs. So, it’s important that, when a homeowner notices a burst pipe, they act right away. If you’ve noticed a burst pipe in your home and don’t know what to do, there are a few things you should keep in mind. In this blog, we discuss 5 things homeowners can do to ensure they safely and effectively address this issue.

Step 1: Make Sure to Keep Safety First Priority

First and foremost, you don’t want to make any decisions about a burst pipe without thinking of safety first. You don’t want to have to worry about your health on top of having to repair a leaking or busted pipe. Above all, you want to make sure you’re not around any standing water while electricity is still on. This could bring about dangers including electrocution. So, if your leaking pipe is anywhere near appliances or electrical outlets, be sure to turn off electricity before going anywhere near the water. Furthermore, along with electricity, you’ll want to turn off running water in your home before addressing a busted pipe. But, make sure to do so before you turn off the electricity!

Step 2: Move Anything That can be Damaged

After you’ve shut off both the electricity and water to your home, you’ll need to consider moving anything that’s standing in water due to the pipe bursting. If you don’t move furniture or anything that can soak up water, this can lead to further issues down the line. For example, mold growth in the cloth of your couches or on the wood of your furniture. So, to prevent any further issues and water damage, move any appliances, furniture, or other items that are in the general vicinity of your pipe leak.

Step 3: Address any Standing Water

After removing any furniture or belongings you don’t want to be affected by water damage, address any standing water in your home. This is accumulated water due to the busted pipe. To remove this water, soak it up with a towel. Or, if it’s more than just a puddle, attempt to remove as much as you can with a siphon hose and buckets.

Step 4: If you can, Dehumidify the Home

Ventilation is essential to addressing any water in the home so that there’s no long-lasting water damage. To ventilate your home, rent or purchase a dehumidifier. These tools help to remove humidity (water) from the air. If you can’t find or get a dehumidifier for whatever reason, at least attempt to ventilate your home by opening up doors and windows. But, do note, attempting to ventilate using heaters and dryers isn’t the best option. This is because heat can actually increase the humidity in the air. Thus, increasing the chances of mold growth in the home.

Step 5: Get an Expert Opinion and Help

Now that you’ve done what you can do create a safe environment and remove as much of the water from your home after a burst pipe, it’s time to ask the experts for help. If you don’t know how to repair or replace your pipe, you’ll need to contact a plumber for assistance. However, that’s not the only expert you may need help from.

Along with a plumber to help fix your busted pipe, you may need a water damage specialist, like a mold remediation company. Mold remediation companies can provide the following helpful services to address busted pipes:

• Mold remediation and removal
• Cleaning after water damage
• Ventilation, dehumidification, and water removal

Do you live in South Florida and have experienced a burst pipe? After you call your local plumber, consider calling the experts at A Plus Mold Remediation Inc. We can help you address any of the issues you’re worried about considering water damage from a burst pipe! For your free estimation, contact us on our website or give us a call at (561) 247-3506.