A burst water pipe is a serious problem. Depending on the location and type of pipe, you might be dealing with many gallons of water in an area that’s meant to stay dry. To minimize emergency water damage, you must act quickly. Here is what needs to be done step by step.

How to Minimize Emergency Water Damage When Your Pipe Bursts

1. Turn Off the Water

A busted pipe will keep leaking water as long as the valve is turned on. To stop further damage, turn off the main water supply, which is usually located outside. Speed is of the essence. The sooner you can turn off the water, the less cleanup there is to do.

2. Call an Expert

Water can cause extensive damage to your furniture, flooring, and personal belongings. Any areas that don’t dry will breed mold quickly. That’s why you should call an expert to remove the water from your home as soon as possible. Depending on the extent of the damage, this may require a sump pump or shop vac. An expert in emergency water damage will ensure the area is properly cleaned up to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

3. Start Cleaning Up

It’s a good idea to start cleaning up even if the expert is already on their way. The sooner your items can be dried, the higher the chance they will still be usable afterwards. Of course, cleaning up isn’t a good idea if the flooding is extensive and you’re unable to turn off the electricity to that area without risking your safety. In that case, it’s best to wait for help in a dry area of the house.

4. Prevent Future Problems

After the damage is under control, it’s time to consider taking steps to prevent future problems of this kind. If the pipe burst because it was old and brittle, hire a plumber to replace the existing lines. Otherwise, this will happen again in another section of the house. If freezing temperatures are the problem, it’s time to properly insulate all piping that is exposed to the cold.

Major water damage requires the expertise of a cleaning service. Triple A Maintenance offers disaster restoration services when you need them. Their staff follows strict standards to ensure you receive the best service possible. This company from Cameron, WI, also uses safe, biodegradable cleaning products without any dangerous chemicals. If you’re looking to restore your flooring or upholstery, these are the experts you want for the job. Visit the website for more information on emergency water damage cleanup, or call (715) 458-4699 to schedule an appointment.