Stop the Leak, Protect Your Home, and Start Cleanup Immediately
Winter isn’t just about snowstorms, skiing, and holiday breaks. It also brings the risk of water damage from cold temperatures. A pipe bursting is a common occurrence in the winter, and it can cause severe damage throughout your home. Damaged pipes can be difficult to pinpoint. They may not immediately burst after developing fractures but will eventually leak after a few hours or days.
Pipe thaw leak cleanup is urgent after a leak occurs, and restoration experts can help remediate the damage. ServiceMaster Fire and Water Cleanup Services, for example, offers emergency restoration services in the event of disasters such as water damage.
Why The Real Risk of Pipes Bursting Comes After the Freeze
Pipes carry water throughout a building, and some of them may be exposed to freezing temperatures in the winter. In old and brittle pipes, this abrupt temperature change can be enough to cause damage. However, the most common cause of pipes bursting is the freezing and thawing of the water inside them.
When the water in pipes freezes, it expands and builds internal pressure. Water backs up behind the frozen part of the pipe, and increased tension is sent to the weakest areas, causing cracks. Once the ice thaws again, water rushes through the pipe and escapes through any cracks formed during the freeze. Even a pinhole crack can release hundreds of gallons a day.
Water pipe leaks often occur behind walls or ceilings before visible flooding occurs. Professionals can detect unseen water issues before they become a disaster and provide pipe thaw leak cleanup services.
What to Do Immediately After You Spot a Pipe Thaw Leak
While a simple drip from a pipe may not seem threatening, it can quickly escalate into a full-blown burst. You need to act quickly when you discover a water leak. Not only can a pipe bursting cause flooding, but it can also lead to mold growth. Here’s what to do the moment you spot a water leak to protect your home.
Shut off the home’s main water supply immediately.
Cut electrical power to the affected areas to prevent short circuits.
Open your faucets to relieve residual pressure in the lines.
Move any valuables and furniture out of standing water.
Call a certified restoration company like ServiceMaster Restore for winter plumbing damage restoration services.
No matter which step to take, it needs to be quick and decisive. Fast mitigation helps limit long-term costs by preventing moisture spread into drywall and insulation.
The Risks of DIY Water Damage Cleanup
Many homeowners opt to handle water leaks themselves to save time and money. They have good intentions, but often this leads to improper cleanup and additional damage. The average person is not aware of all the risks of water damage or the best practices when it comes to pipe thaw leak cleanup. Without the right approach, a DIY effort can cause far more harm than good. Take a look at the following examples:
Consumer-grade fans can’t remove water from wall cavities or flooring layers.
Mold begins growing within 24 to 48 hours if surfaces aren’t fully dried.
Hidden moisture under carpet padding or behind baseboards can warp materials.
Improper use of heat during drying can crack wood or drywall joints.
DIY bleach cleaning doesn’t neutralize all contaminants from water exposure.
IICRC-certified technicians have a full understanding of how to properly restore a home after water damage and frozen pipe burst repair. They can also identify hidden water leaks using diagnostic tools like moisture meters and thermal cameras.
How Professionals Handle a Thawed Pipe Water Leak
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is an international organization that sets the standards for professional services. Many restoration professionals in South Carolina comply with IICRC standards, including the restoration process. There are five main phases of restoration: assessment, extraction, structural drying, sanitization, and restoration.
Assessment. IICRC-certified technicians always need to inspect the affected areas after a water leak to assess the extent of the damage. They also regularly use advanced diagnostic tools like moisture meters and infrared cameras to detect hidden pockets of moisture in inaccessible areas.
Extraction. Any standing water from the leak should be removed quickly, reducing further structural damage and microbial growth. Professionals have access to specialized equipment that removes standing water and helps with pipe thaw leak cleanup.
Structural Drying. The job is not done after extraction. The moisture and dampness in the affected areas are also dangerous to have around. There are standard air movers and dehumidifiers that can help professionals remove moisture from materials and the air. Technicians may also monitor humidity and temperature daily until materials reach safe moisture levels.
Sanitization. Moisture can lead to mold, which can pose health risks to the occupants. Affected surfaces are treated with EPA-registered disinfectants to prevent mold, mildew, and other microbial growth.
Restoration. Not all damaged materials can be restored to how they once were. For some, strategic removal and replacement is more effective to restore the structure to pre-loss condition. Professionals will examine damaged materials to determine if repair, removal, or replacement is necessary.
How Common Household Materials React to Pipe Leaks Indoors
Most houses in the U.S. follow similar construction codes and use similar materials. These materials react differently to water absorption and have various levels of risk. In some cases, materials suffering from water damage are beyond repair and need to be replaced. On the other hand, materials may be able to be restored with a quick response. Understanding how common materials are affected by pipe leaks can help you respond appropriately if it occurs in your home and perform emergency water cleanup.
Drywall is porous, which means it absorbs moisture. It can wick water up to 12 inches from the floor and loses strength when saturated.
Insulation retains moisture easily. However, moisture also destroys the effectiveness of insulation and can encourage microbial growth.
Wood framing absorbs and traps moisture for long periods of time. Prolonged water absorption causes swelling and warping, compromising structural integrity.
Laminate flooring is made up of multiple layers of material. The material also absorbs water quickly, causing delamination or the separation of these layers. In many cases, the flooring can buckle beyond repair.
Of course, electrical wiring exposed to water is dangerous. Moisture can cause fire hazards, insulation breakdown, and the risk of short-circuiting.
The Hidden Dangers of Delayed Pipe Leak Cleanup
While primary water damage is the biggest concern when it comes to pipes bursting, it’s not the only risk with prolonged exposure to moisture. There are various secondary effects that can cause severe damage or even health risks. The following are some of the hidden dangers of water damage:
Mold spores can start growing quickly in damp drywall. It’s estimated that mold will begin growing in 24 to 48hrs.
Wood that absorbs water can lead to swelling and structural wood rot within days.
Odor-causing bacteria can grow and multiply in soaked carpet padding.
Moisture can form rust on HVAC components and fasteners.
Overall, water infiltration lowers indoor air quality.
At ServiceMaster Fire and Water Cleanup Services, restoration professionals have a full understanding of the potential risks and effects of water damage. We also follow EPA and CDC guidelines, ensuring the process is performed properly and microbial growth is prevented.
How to Prevent Future Frozen Pipe Leaks
The best way to protect your home from pipe leaks is to prevent it in the first place. Homeowners can take proactive action to reduce the risk of water leaks or to stop existing damage from escalating. Here are some ways to prevent a pipe thaw leak cleanup emergency.
Insulate any pipes exposed to exterior temperatures in attics, basements, and crawlspaces. This reduces heat loss and the risk of freezing.
Keep indoor temps above 55°F during cold snaps, ensuring rooms with plumbing stay above freezing temperatures.
Let faucets drip during subfreezing nights. Flowing water lowers the chance of pressure buildup in the pipes.
Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm indoor air to easily circulate around high-risk pipes.
Schedule annual plumbing inspections with professionals who can check for vulnerable spots or leaks before winter.
ServiceMaster Fire and Water Cleanup Services offers preventive consultations with concerned homeowners to identify weak points before a freeze. A simple consultation can save homeowners thousands of dollars and provide peace of mind throughout the winter.
Why You Should Work with Certified Experts for Pipe Leak Restoration
Professionals at ServiceMaster Fire and Water Cleanup Services have restored thousands of homes affected by winter pipe leaks. Our team is certified in Water Damage Restoration (WRT) and Applied Structural Drying (ASD). We have access to industrial-grade drying and dehumidification systems to restore affected areas and offer 24/7 emergency response, even during winter storms.
Our experts also document the damage extensively, preserving detailed records for your insurance. From inspection to final walk-through, being transparent with homeowners is always a top priority.
A pipe bursting doesn’t wait for convenience — and neither should you. Contact ServiceMaster Fire and Water Cleanup Services for expert pipe thaw leak cleanup. Our certified team responds around the clock to stop water damage, dry your home, and restore your peace of mind before your house suffers substantial damage. Reach out to us today!
