What to Do After a Pipe Bursts

Here in Minneapolis, we’re familiar with frigid temperatures and freeze warnings. However, do you know how to handle the situation when a pipe freezes and bursts in your home? Whether you’re facing such a situation now or you might in the future, it’s smart to know what steps to take immediately after the disaster.

Step 1: Shut off your water and electricity.

Safety must be your number one priority, so before anything else, make sure that you stop the flood in its tracks and disable any electrical appliances that could pose a threat. If the damage is minimal, you may not need to shut off the electricity entirely, but it never hurts to err on the side of caution, especially if electric appliances are near or in the water.

Step 2: Call an emergency cleanup service.

The faster you call an emergency restoration service,the sooner you can start salvaging parts of the building. Don’t hesitate to call and make sure someone is on their way to address the issue. Look for restoration companies that offer 24/7 services and are trained to handle disasters like this one.

Step 3: Take out soaked furniture, rugs, and other belongings.

While you wait for help to arrive, start salvaging what you can. Drag soaked items into dry areas of the house and assess the damage. If the items are too deeply submerged in water, or if there is a possible electrical threat, wait for professional services to help with the process.

Step 4: Remove as much water as you safely can.

Obviously, this step depends on the extent of the water damage. It never hurts to start removing as much water as you can with buckets and mops. The heavy lifting with still require expert assistance, but you can begin the drying process as quickly as possible.

Step 5: Open the windows to promote air flow.

You don’t want moisture to hang in the air, so open windows and doors to let cool air in if the weather permits. You may even want to set up whatever fans you have to help the fresh air circulate through the building. Once help arrives, they’ll bring heavy-duty fans that can accelerate the drying process.

At Restoration 1 of Greater Minneapolis , we have dealt with countless burst pipes, especially during the winter months. We offer expedient, safe cleanup services that will help your house recover from water damage, no matter how extensive it may be. To learn more about our certified technicians or the advanced restoration technology we use, or to schedule a clean-up appointment , call 612-268-1961 today.

About The Author

David Tynes is the general manager of Restoration of Greater Minneapolis. David has years of experience in home and commercial restoration, and he is certified as a restoration professional by the IICRC.