Immediate Steps To Take After a Pipe Burst

7/31/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding can cause severe damage.

A frozen or broken pipe can wreak havoc on your building in Sandy, UT. Having a list of water damage tips can help you spring into action when it happens.

Cleaning Tips for a Commercial Building With Water Damage

You will probably notice the signs of a broken pipe pretty quickly. The problem can get out of control quickly, and it may be a few hours before someone is able to get to your building and do something about it. Here are some things you can do while you wait to minimize damage.

Shut Off Water

The first thing you want to do is cut off the water at the source. After all, a broken pipe can't leak if there is no water flowing to it. Shut off the water main in the building, and let everyone present know that it will be off until the problem is resolved.

Turn Off Electricity

Electricity and water don't mix. The longer the broken pipe has been leaking, the more caution needs to be taken to separate the two. Your safety protocol should include a step for turning off the power. By shutting off all breakers that release power to the affected area, you are protecting everyone in its vicinity.

Call the Professionals

A flood in your building is not something you should try to handle on your own. There are three main calls you need to make right after a pipe bursts:

• Plumber to fix the pipe
  
• Water damage mitigation experts to clean up the building
  
• Insurance provider to start the claims process
  

In addition to getting professional help with the problem at hand, calling the experts can also verify that you are on the right track with the progress you are making. They can give you the specific damage tips and extra steps you need to take so that you are ready for them when they arrive.

Remove Standing Water

The longer water stands in your building, the more damage it continues to create. If you can safely do so, it's a good idea to pump any excess water out. Your personal protection must come first, though. If you don't know how deep the water is or if part of the structure is damaged, it's better to wait for the mitigation team to get there.

Document the Damage

Your insurance company is going to want to know the full extent of the problem in order to review your claim. Take pictures and videos of the affected area so that you can include them in your report. Make a list of everything that may need to be replaced and how much it would cost to do so. You can always make revisions if the cleanup technicians are able to salvage some items, but this initial list gives you a solid starting place.

It's easy to feel helpless after a broken pipe floods your building, but don't despair. You may not be able to tackle the whole cleanup process by yourself, but following these damage tips can ensure that you are being proactive and protecting your building as well as you can until reinforcements arrive.