The Need for Cleanup Speed After a Pipe Burst Flood

4/28/2018 (Permalink)

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Wading through standing water because of a pipe burst may cause a property manager or business owner in Newtown, PA to wring his or her hands in frustration. In most flood scenarios, the first inclination may be to call an insurance adjuster, schedule an appointment, and wait for that person’s arrival. But by acting quickly and taking a few precautionary actions, the extent of water damage to the property may be controlled, and mold growth can often be prevented.

Safety Issues

The first thing to do is turn off water to the source of the leak. Then turn the power off to any electrical circuits that might come in contact with the flood water. This includes connections that are as much as six inches above the water line. Also look for signs of contaminated floodwater from toilet bowls, sewer blowouts, or septic tanks. Polluted water is considered a category three flood problem and is typically considered a very serious issue.

Time Limitation

After the pipe burst water hits the floor and begins to soak into surrounding property, it can be a race against time. Depending on weather conditions and local humidity, there are usually only 24 hours before mildew attacks and mold cleanup becomes necessary.

Game Plan

To help speed cleanup efforts, immediately after noticing the flood water, take the following steps to protect the building and tenants.

• Contact a water damage restoration team for immediate help.
• Contact the insurance company.
• Take pictures for insurance purposes.
• Prevent water damage to items not yet wet. Move boxes, bins, and personal items to higher floors or onto shelves to keep them dry.
• Check lower floors for water seepage and ceiling damage. Notify the restoration team of any additional water damage.

Professional Help

Once the professional restoration team arrives, heed their advice and help the team restore the building. Water damage from a pipe burst can cause considerable damage to the building’s structure, and a tear out of building materials may often be necessary before the structure can fully dry. The sooner the building dries, the sooner it can be restored. Visit http://www.SERVPROnewtownyardleypa.com for more information on water damage.