Do you know what you need to know about water damage clean-up?
No one likes to hear that they’re going to need water damage clean-up. And to say that it’s from a frozen pipe that burst can really burst your bubble. But you don’t have to let it wreck your winter. With the right information and course of action, it can go from a nightmare to a manageable restoration. Here’s the scoop on frozen pipes and water damage, and all that goes with them.
Are All Pipes at Risk of Freezing?
There are some specific areas in most homes that put pipes at risk of freezing. They include outside walls where there might not be proper insulation, and they’re close to the cold outdoor temperatures, under sinks that are on outside walls, and unheated or uninsulated areas such as basements, crawl spaces, garages, and cellars.
There are some specific areas in most homes that put pipes at risk of freezing. They include outside walls where there might not be proper insulation, and they’re close to the cold outdoor temperatures, under sinks that are on outside walls, and unheated or uninsulated areas such as basements, crawl spaces, garages, and cellars.
Why Do Frozen Pipes Burst?
Not all frozen pipes burst. If caught quickly, they can be thawed before they rupture. That’s the best case scenario. If you don’t find it fast enough, which is much more common, as the water freezes inside the pipe it expands beyond the capacity of the pipe, putting too much pressure on it and causing it to break or burst.
What Happens When Pipes Freeze and Burst?
When water in a pipe freezes and ruptures the pipe, the pressure of the water behind the freeze can push the ice up and out of the pipe. When that happens, the water will come rushing out. The only way to stop it is to shut off the main water valve to the house until the pipe can be repaired.
What About All That Water?
The biggest concern with a broken pipe isn’t the pipe itself; it’s the water. And if you don’t catch a broken pipe immediately, you could be dealing with an enormous amount of water. And because of the nature of water, it will all flow downhill. That means it could fill your basement or crawl space or the lower level of your home, and it will soon make its way behind walls and under flooring and cabinets. You need to handle water damage clean-up, and you need to do it right away.
What Happens During Water Damage Clean-Up?
Water left in a home, even a small amount can cause a lot of damage. It can do everything from leave stains and water marks on walls, ceilings, and furniture, to doing structural damage to the house itself. And one of the biggest issues with water and flooding is the risk of mold.
Mold is toxic and dangerous and needs to be treated carefully by a trained professional. The best way to battle mold is to prevent it in the first place. Water extraction and proper water damage clean-up are the best way to prevent or stop mold growth. Here’s the water damage clean-up process broken down into steps:
• Assessment of the damage by a certified technician
• Water extraction using high-tech equipment and tools
• Structural drying, including dehumidification
• Dry cleaning of the area
• Floor drying and cleaning
• Upholstery cleaning
• Antimicrobial treatment to prevent bacteria and mold
• Inspection for mold and removal and remediation if necessary
• Sewage cleanup, if you need it
• Repair and reconstruction of the affected area
• Restoration of documents, electronics, and furniture
• Air scrubbers and deodorizers
In addition to the drying and water damage clean-up, restoration companies often offer packing and storage of your belongings during the restoration process, with a complete evaluation of anything that was damaged to determine if it is salvageable or if it needs to be discarded. Water damage from burst frozen pipes is no joke. Don’t try to take matters into your own hands.
Click to contact Can-Restore for expert help with water damage clean-up by calling (770) 212-9775.
