Coming home to find yourself ankle deep in flood water from a burst pipe is an experience no one ever wants to have. But in reality, it’s a relatively common problem with the plumbing and seldom occurs at a convenient time. The burst pipe may occur in a location where it’s easy to find – like under your kitchen or bathroom sink or it may be hidden behind building structures.
This post will provide you with information about water damage from a burst pipe. You are about to learn signs of a leaking or burst pipe; what will happen within minutes, hours and days after water damage and 4 factors that determine how burst pipe water damage is properly managed.
Signs of a Leaking or Burst Pipe
- Pooling of water or water damage to areas of the wall, ceiling, or floor.
- A Hissing sound of water running when the plumbing is not being used.
- Your ceiling is bulging.
- There is a visible break in a portion of a pipe.
- The pressure in your pipes is not consistent when using a pressure gauge attached to your plumbing.
- You receive an enormous water bill and have not recently filled a new swimming pool.
Minutes, Hours and Days After Water Damage
Within Minutes
- Water spreads to other areas and rapidly increases the scope and cleanup of the damage.
- Dyes released from furniture discolor carpet.
- Drywall and base molding absorb water rapidly.
Within Hours
- Furniture begins to delaminate, split or swell.
- Pressboard swells and disintegrates
- Bacterial odor develops.
Within Days
- Fungus begins to appear with a musty odor.
- Metal surfaces begin to rust.
- Respiratory health problems can occur.
- Water damaged contents can’t be salvaged.
- Damage costs escalate.
4 factors that determine how burst pipe cleanup is safely and properly managed based on IICRC certification industry standards:
- TYPE OF WATER Whether the water in the burst pipe is clean or dirty will determine the flood damage classification and type of repairs and restoration required.
- EXTENT OF DAMAGE Obviously, the amount of damage to building structures, materials and personal items will determine costs and the length of time to restore your home.
- LENGTH OF TIME FOR THE DAMAGE Flood damage from clean water within 48-72 hours will have a lower classification than floods from pipes containing dirty water.
- PROBABILITY OF MOLD DAMAGE The presence of visible mold, musty odor, or other signs of long-term water damage will classify the damage as more extensive and likely to require mold remediation.
Here’s what you should do if you have a burst pipe or any water damage event:
If a plumbing problem is likely, call a reputable plumber. Then call your insurance company and get a reputable water damage contractor at your property as soon as possible. Extracting the water within 48-72 hours, drying and dehumidifying building structures, cabinets, affected furnishings, and personal items may save thousands of dollars in expenses and allow you to stay in your home during repairs and restoration.
When you call Armstrong, we will introduce you to one-stop total peace of mind service – the most complete, comprehensive 24/7 customer service in the area today – everything from water leak detection to water damage inspection, structural drying, repairs and total restoration of your home.
Here’s what you can expect. We are reachable 24/7 to inspect and solve water damage and mold problems. Upon arrival at your property, we assess, take pictures, coordinate with insurance, minimize damage, safeguard building structures and personal items, assist you in finding a suitable place to stay, begin structured drying and keep you informed during all phases from demolition to repairs and restoration.
All you have to do is call us. The inspection and estimate are free. Call 239-541-4200 or contact us at ArmstrongWaterMoldCleanup.com
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