How Does Water Damage Cause Mold?
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At ServiceMaster Fire & Water Damage Restoration, we have built our reputation as the trusted team of water damage restoration experts that property owners across the greater Lexington, Kentucky region rely on when water damage strikes their homes or businesses. We are dedicated to serving the water damage restoration needs of this amazing community and take pride in helping our customers to return their properties back to their pre-damage condition.
Our team of contractors has years of experience in the field of water damage restoration. When property owners call upon us, they can expect a quick response and an accurate assessment of the damage that is present. This allows us to quickly put a plan in place to tackle water damage issues both big and small.
One of the most common issues that we deal with is that of a burst pipe. It is common for property owners to contact us wanting to know the answer to the following question. What do I do if I have a burst pipe in my home? Beyond this, homeowners routinely ask us a second question. Is a burst pipe an emergency?
The simple reality regarding this topic is that a burst pipe in your home constitutes a plumbing emergency and it is a situation that needs to be addressed immediately. The water damage that results from a burst pipe can lead to the need for extensive repairs and restoration work. In the worst cases, a burst pipe can end up creating the ideal conditions for the growth of mold. It is for these reasons, as well as many additional ones, that homeowners need to know what to do when a pipe bursts in their home.
Signs of a Burst Pipe
Though the presence of large puddles of water is generally the most obvious sign of a burst pipe, there are other ones that homeowners need to watch out for. The 8 common signs of a burst pipe include:
- Puddles of Water – As noted, the presence of puddles of water is the most obvious sign of a burst pipe. If the puddle of water continues to get larger whenever the water tap is turned on, then a burst pipe is the likely culprit. As where leaks are usually indicated by small drips, pipes that have burst will lead to pooling water that can also move through the walls.
- Problems With Water Pressure – Problems with water pressure are another tell-tale sign of a burst pipe. This is because a burst will have an effect on the ability of water to travel through your home’s pipes. When a pipe bursts, the water will simply go through the hole instead of coming out of the faucet. This leads to lowered water pressure.
- Discolored Water – Another common sign that homeowners need to know about regarding the presence of a burst pipe is water that is discolored. A reddish color to the water indicates that the home’s pipes have a rust issue. This can often lead a pipe to burst.
- Stains on the Walls – Wall stains can also indicate a burst pipe. Though stains can occur for several reasons, large ones generally indicate that there is an issue with your home’s pipes. These stains can also show up on the ceiling as well. One of the most important things to note is that the location of the stain is a good indicator of the location of the burst pipe.
- An Unexpected Increase in Water Expenses – If you are suddenly experiencing an unexpected increase in your home’s water bill, you could be dealing with a burst pipe. This can be due to excess water leaking through the break in the pipe. It can also be the result of lower water pressure which can cause you to have to use more water to get an acceptable pressure.
- Unexplained Water Sounds – If you notice water sounds in your home’s walls, it could be an indicator of a burst pipe. This is particularly likely if you continue to hear water dripping even though you know that it is not coming from any of your faucets.
- Unusual Water Smells – Though there are many reasons why strange water smells can arise, the presence of a metallic odor that is accompanied by these other symptoms is commonly a sign of a burst pipe.
- Noisy Pipes – If you notice metallic-sounding clangs and other pipe noises coming from your walls, it is often an indicator of a burst. This is because a pipe with a burst will often shake whenever water moves through it.
Common Causes of Burst Pipes
There are several common causes that can lead to a pipe bursting in your home. Though many factors can lead to this problem, the most common causes include corrosion, clogs, and pipe movement. Frozen pipes are also susceptible to bursting. Corrosion can lead to the weakening of a pipe’s structural integrity while clogs can cause a buildup of water pressure. Freezing temperatures can also weaken pipes and cause breaks.
What Should You Do If You Have a Burst Pipe?
These points now lead us back to our primary question. What do I do if I have a burst pipe in my home? When this problem occurs, you should:
- Turn off the water mains
- Clean up the water
- Drain your faucets
- Let warm air into the area
- Keep your doors open to promote air circulation
- Contact a plumber
- Reach out to our water damage restoration team to address any water damage issues
When your property has sustained water damage as a result of a burst pipe, natural flooding, a faulty appliance, or from any other water source, it is time to contact our team of professionals here at ServiceMaster Fire & Water Damage Restoration. You can count on us to respond quickly to your home or business location to assess the situation and begin the process of water damage mitigation and restoration. Give us a call today or message us online and we will respond back to you quickly. Our team is ready to get to work helping you to return your property back to its pre-damage condition!
