4 Steps to Water Damage Restoration After a Frozen Pipe Leaks

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There’s nothing like a lot of snow this time of year that lets us enjoy a winter wonderland. But one thing that’s not so wonderful is when pipes in our home freeze and burst. This can turn a happy season into the winter blues.

The problem is not uncommon, especially in older homes with antiquated plumbing systems. Water, when it freezes, expands about nine percent, which puts pressure on pipes and can lead to cracking and bursting. A 1/8-inch crack in a pipe can gush up to 250 gallons of water a day, causing major damage—not only to your home but to your health.

If pipes burst and you don’t get rid of the stagnant water right away, mold and mildew can quickly form in 24 to 48 hours. In addition, if pipes are leaking in rooms that may be damp to begin with—such as basements, laundry rooms, and bathrooms—black mold can grow both outside a wall and inside. In this case, what you can’t see, can hurt you.

The 4 Steps

1. First and foremost, turn off the water supply. This prevents further flooding and damage. If you’re unsure how to do this, locate your main water shut-off valve. Once the water is off, contact a certified plumber to repair the leak. A professional plumber will not only fix the issue but also check for any other hidden problems, ensuring the plumbing is properly restored and secure.
2. Next, you want to be sure the area is fully dry. You can use mops and wet-dry vacuums, but consumer-grade equipment is insufficient to detect and remove hidden pockets of moisture. Remember, you have about 24 to 48 hours to dry your belongings before mold could set in. 
3. Afterwards, get the area professionally tested in case of mold. A professional can identify the source of a mold problem to help eliminate current and future mold growth. They can test the area, provide you with a written assessment, and recommend the best way to treat the mold. 
4. Finally, continue on-going maintenance so that the area stays clean and disinfected. Areas that have experienced water damage in the past should always stay dry, clean and sanitized. This is especially important if you don’t remove or replace damaged drywall and other building materials right away. 

The next time your pipes break, consider it water under the bridge. Terry’s Plumbing can take care of the mess. Our customers have rated our technicians as superior in every way—fast, professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. They arrive on time, finish on time, and, most of all, they care about you. When you need to call us, we’ll be here to lend a helping hand!