Whether you’re a homeowner or a commercial property owner, the discovery of water damage from a broken pipe can be a stressful event. The large quantities of water released by a broken pipe can result in significant damage to your property, threatening its structural integrity and creating a variety of health hazards.
While dealing with water damage can seem overwhelming, it’s critical to address the situation as quickly as possible. If left unchecked, the water damage can result in even more serious issues which will require more extensive and costly repairs down the road.
A Broken Pipe Can Create Structural Damage to Your Property
When a pipe bursts, the ensuing water damage can seep into the framework of your property, creating significant structural damage. Water quickly finds its way into the most unsuspecting places, compromising not only the surface materials, but also the very framework that supports them. Water damage can result in:
- Warped walls, ceilings and flooring
- Damage to insulation
- Rotting of wooden structures such as beams and floors
- Softening and breakage of drywall and ceilings
- Cracks in walls
These issues can threaten the structural integrity of your property, creating a variety of safety hazards for any inhabitants.
A Broken Pipe Can Create Health Hazards Associated with Mold
Mold thrives in dark, damp environments, making it a common issue whenever you sustain water damage from a broken pipe. Moreover, mold can spread throughout your property in a matter of days, turning a minor problem into a serious health hazard that, in severe cases, can lead to respiratory issues for individuals with allergies.
Often, mold growth from a broken pipe will occur in hard to spot areas such as behind walls. In these situations, your mold problem may persist for a while until you develop musty smells, or someone experiences adverse health symptoms.
Common Signs of Water Damage from a Broken Pipe
Water damage isn’t always as conspicuous as a flood. It can manifest subtly, taking time for you detect the warning signs. Some potential indications that you’ve developed water damage from a broken pipe include:
- Discoloration on walls and ceilings
- Warped wooden surfaces
- Peeling paint
- Musty odors
- Mold growth
- Perpetual humid feeling in your home or business
- Foundation and structural damage
- Increased water bills
Identifying these signs early can mitigate the extent of the damage and the potential health risks associated with mold growth.
Common Causes of Broken Pipes
Pipes can burst for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common include:
- Freezing temperatures – Cold weather can cause water in pipes to freeze, expand and exert pressure that causes them to burst. This is especially common in pipes that aren’t properly insulated.
- Clogs and other blockages – Debris, grease, hair and food particles can create clogs and blockages in pipes. Over time, this can result in a buildup of pressure that causes the pipe to crack or burst.
- Old pipes – Over time, pipes can corrode, weaken, and become more susceptible to cracks and leaks. This is especially true of older metal pipes.
- Lack of maintenance – Neglecting regular plumbing inspections and maintenance can allow small issues to worsen until a major pipe break occurs.
- Tree root infiltration – Aggressive tree roots can grow into and around pipes, causing cracks and blockages that lead to pipe bursts.
- High water pressure – Excessive water pressure beyond the pipe’s design specifications can place too much strain on the plumbing system and cause breaks.
- Ground movement/external forces – Earthquakes, soil shifts or construction work can subject pipes to extreme forces that exceed their structural integrity.
Prevention Is the Best Policy
While our water damage restoration team is ready to assist you in the aftermath of a broken pipe, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk that your pipes crack or burst. These include:
- Proper maintenance and inspection – Schedule regular plumbing inspections to detect any issues early before they become a serious problem. You should also replace old, corroded pipes before they burst and result in serious water damage.
- Manage water pressure – Ensure the water pressure in your home or business is within the recommended range of 40-60 PSI. If the pressure is too high, you can install a water pressure regulator to address the issue and prevent water damage.
- Protect against freezing – Insulate exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas like attics, basements and crawl spaces. If you’re going on vacation during winter and plan to lower the heat while you’re gone, keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air to reach pipes under sinks.
- Avoid clogged pipes – Don’t pour grease, oil or other substances that can cause blockages down your drains. Be mindful of what you flush down toilets and dispose of in your sinks.
- Manage tree roots – Plant trees and shrubs far away from underground water and sewer lines to prevent root infiltration. Consider regular professional inspections and root removal if issues arise.
- Use licensed, professional plumbers – Avoid DIY plumbing repairs, as this can increase your risk of creating a more serious issue that may lead to water damage. Instead, hire licensed, experienced plumbers who have the expertise to properly diagnose and repair the issues you’re experiencing.
Just Right Cleaning & Construction Can Help After Water Damage from a Broken Pipe
If your home or business has sustained water damage from a broken pipe, JRCC Damage Restoration Experts can help return your property to its original condition. We’ve been the leading water damage restoration company in the greater Seattle & Spokane Metro Area since 1954. Our team is fully licensed, bonded and insured, and we possess the advanced training necessary to perform the job properly.
We offer comprehensive water damage restoration services and can manage every aspect of the process, from the initial assessment of damage through any major repairs and reconstruction work that may be necessary. We use the most advanced technology, and our meticulous water damage restoration process adheres to all industry best practices. In addition, we can perform all necessary mold remediation services to eliminate mold and prevent regrowth.
Our team offers 24/7 emergency response service and will arrive promptly, ready to begin work. We have the expertise to address any water damage issue you may have, regardless of the size of the property or the scope of the damage.
Contact us at 844-967-4911 today to schedule an appointment. JRCC Damage Restoration Experts serves customers in the greater Seattle & Spokane Metro Area.