Reacting to a Burst Pipe at Home or Work | SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale

1/2/2024 (Permalink)

Don't let burst pipes in your home ruin your day! Call SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale to restore your home at the first sign of damage.

The winter weather can fluctuate pretty drastically around here, and we can experience mild temperatures and a sunny day one moment and then be surprised by serious freezes and snowstorms the next day. We can easily change up our routines in order to stay cozy and warm no matter what, but our homes and buildings can sometimes have a harder time weathering the cold temperatures and can suffer damage as a result. 

Frozen and burst pipes become a real concern in the winter months when the temperature drops below freezing. Once the weather turns back around, that broken pipe can lead to serious damage in your home or commercial property. 

How to Tell if a Pipe Is Frozen 
We all know that water expands as it freezes, so if your pipes aren’t insulated properly or your property isn’t prepared for the temperature to get really cold, the water that is flowing through your pipes can freeze along its journey to your faucets.

The first obvious sign of a frozen pipe is that you have no more water. If you turn on your faucet and nothing comes out, you have an obvious blockage that needs to be investigated. Another clear sign is frost or ice buildup along the outside of your pipes. If the pipes are cold enough to condense and refreeze on the outside, something troublesome is going on inside.

Just because a pipe is frozen, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it will burst. If you don’t see any visible cracks on the pipe, try to gently thaw it with a heat source. A blow dryer or a warm towel wrapped around the pipe can gently encourage the ice to thaw out in the pipe without creating a serious problem. 

What to Do if It Bursts  

If you see a crack or you discover water pouring or leaking out of your pipe, quick action must be taken to stop the flow of water. Locate your water valve for the particular area of your property and shut it off. You should also consider shutting off electricity for the time being as water leaks can quickly compromise your electrical system and actually charge the water that is now all over your floor.

Once the flow of water has been stopped, contact us right away so we can get started on your repairs. The longer water sits on your floor and the longer your pipes are vulnerable to freezing, the worse your situation can become and the longer your restoration will take. While you wait for us to arrive, take pictures of the damage you see so you can start the insurance claim process right away. 

Where SERVPRO® Comes Into Play 

Our crew will start your restoration right away! We will focus on removing the excess water and identifying hidden moisture behind your walls and under your floors. After the water is gone, we will work on repairing warped drywall or floorboards and replace ruined carpet. We can even address the burst pipe and take care of those repairs as well. 

Afterward, we can discuss ways you can prevent this issue from happening again. Insulating your pipes is a great place to start and make sure your building’s temperature doesn’t drop below 55 degrees on any given day. If your building or home will be vacant for a while because of a closure or vacation, turn off your water valves temporarily. 

Suffered from a burst pipe? SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale is ready to help day or night.