Burst Pipes 101

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

Making routine checkups on your plumbing is pertinent to preventing water damage.

Spring is right around the corner, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that cold temperatures will disappear overnight. Rather, temperatures will fluctuate in the coming months, with some warm days that are characteristic of spring, alongside some cold days. These variable temperatures can wreak potential havoc on your commercial business through their effects on pipes, which can lead to water damage in the event that they burst. Water within the pipes expands and contracts when temperatures fluctuate, which leads to increased pressure in the pipes. Pipes burst under this pressure. Because burst pipes can cause devastating water damage to your commercial business, it is important to understand ways in which burst pipes can be prevented as well as how to best deal with the damage if pipes were to burst in your building.

Prevention

First and foremost, make sure that your commercial business is protected by an insurance plan that covers water damage caused by burst pipes, as cleanup services can be costly. Pipes that are located outdoors or in unheated places should be wrapped in insulated sleeves in order to prevent the water inside from freezing during cold weather. If pipes do freeze, it may be beneficial to let water run through the pipes in order to avoid bursting. Finally, checking pipes on a daily basis for small leaks is a helpful preventative measure to take, especially when temperatures drop.

If Pipes Burst…

Immediately turn off water, electricity, and heating systems at the first sight of burst pipes in order to limit the damage caused by the ruptured pipes. Documents, inventory, and other important items should be moved to a safe location as soon as possible, as they can become damaged or destroyed in water in the wake of burst pipes. If it is safe to do so, check the building for signs of water damage, such as stains or discoloration, musty smells, or mold growth. It may also be beneficial to open doors and windows, as doing so allows air to move through the building, drying any damp areas and preventing the growth of mold or mildew. It is important for your commercial business to quickly get back on its feet following burst pipes, so call SERVPRO in order to restore any areas of your business affected by water damage as quickly as possible.