Water Pipe Burst and Water Damage : Understanding the Interconnectedness

Due to snowfall and declining temperatures, a frozen water pipe burst is the most common winter woe for Canadian homeowners. When the temperature hits minus degrees, it starts to freeze the plumbing pipes and cause ice build-up. This exerts pressure on the pipes, and over time, it causes the pipes to burst. It can cause minor to notable damage to your home. Aburst water pipe signifies a sudden plumbing pipe failure, leading to uncontrollable water discharge. Water damage and burst pipe issues occur in unheated areas, such as attics, crawl spaces, and basements. Underground pipes can freeze, causing pipe bursts. Burst pipes can lead to standing water in hidden spaces, like the walls or under the floor. Moreover, there are two incidents. One is a pipe leak, and the other is a pipe burst. Pipe leakage may cause less damage, and a pipe burst incident can flood your property. When a pipe bursts, homeowners may be unaware that it will result in water damage or flooding in homes. This blog explains the interlinking of pipe bursts and water damage.

Water Pipe Burst and Water Damage: Understanding the Common Warning Signs

The signs of water damage and burst pipes are almost the same; still, water pipe bursts have different indicators, which is essential for property owners to understand. First, we comprehend the common symptoms of water damage and pipe bursts.

1. Wet Spots: The sources of damp walls and ceilings are leaky pipes and hidden water damage. If you notice dampness in your home, there is a chance of a pipe burst.
2. Foul Odor: Unnoticed leaky pipes and minor water damage encourage mold growth because dampness remains for a day. Once mold develops, it brings a musty, persistent odor that makes you sick if not addressed on a priority basis. If you experience such a foul smell, you may understand this is a sign of a pipe burst or water damage.
3. Stains of Water and Color Fading: Hidden issues of leaking pipes and water damage can leave stains on walls, floors, and ceilings and fade away the color. Persistent water stains and discoloration indicate that your house has chances of a pipe burst and water damage.

Other Indicators of Pipe Burst in Home

1. Fluctuations in Water Pressure: Water pressure is reduced in residential plumbing appliances like taps and showers due to leaks or cracks, showing household pipes are at risk of bursting.
2. Unusual Pipe Noises: When a damaged pipe traps air, making clear noises, you can hear gurgling and bubbling. Turned-off taps may cause noise, which you can listen to. Moreover, strange sounds behind the walls or pipes indicate that pipes can burst over time.
3. Sudden Increase in Water Bills: Unrecognized water pipe leakage gradually increases the water bills. If you see an unexpected rise in water bills, it shows that there might be a leak in the pipes, and residential plumbing lines are at risk of bursting.

Immediate Actions After Pipe Burst in House

It is necessary to take immediate action after a pipe burst in the house to help prevent further damage to household items. Below are the steps to follow:

• Turn Off the Main Water Supply Valve: A burst water pipe may further damage your residential properties. It requires turning off the main water supply valve to reduce the extent of damage. 
• Switch Off the Main Electric Supply: Water may accumulate near electrical outlets and appliances; turning off the main electric supply is advisable to prevent the risk of electrocution.

Burst Pipe Repair and Water Damage Restoration

Accidentally burst pipes cause havoc on your property, necessitating water damage restoration assistance. When you call experts, the first step is to find the location of the pipe leak and assess the damage severity. Restoration experts fix and replace leaky or damaged pipes. Using modern devices, professionals clear out the standing water to prevent the further spread of water and mold growth. After this, experts employ dehumidifiers to dry out the impacted areas and surfaces. If a water pipe bursts, floods your home, damages any household materials, and affects structural integrity that needs insurance coverage, the restoration team makes the insurance process smooth by giving a direct bill to your insurance company.

Conclusion

When you notice leaky pipes, it is wise to call a plumber and fix them, but if a sudden water pipe burst floods your property, contact a water damage restoration team to restore your home from further damage. An accidental pipe burst causes water damage, which may arise from plumbing leakages. And both events necessitate comprehensive remediation to preserve the aesthetics of your home. ONT Restoration handles every type of damage to residential and commercial properties, whether pipe burst, water damage, mold growth, or fire damage. The restoration team must be IICRC certified and we have licensed professional experts. Thus, people can rely on us for property restoration.