What To Do If a Pipe Bursts in Your Commercial Building

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage in a building in Houston, TX.

What Should You Do If a Pipe in Your Commercial Building Bursts?

Older commercial properties are particularly broken to frozen pipes. However, this phenomenon can occur in newer buildings as well. Water flowing through any cold, uninsulated pipes may freeze into ice. As the ice expands, it can put pressure on the pipes until they break. This could lead to massive water damage in Houston, TX. If you do encounter bursting pipes, here are some steps you should take.

1. Shut Off the Water and Electricity

The water will continue to escape from the burst pipe until you shut off the main valve. Make sure that everyone in the building knows where this valve is. You should also turn off the electricity in the damaged part of the property. This will prevent electrocution during the drying process.

2. Call a Professional

A broken pipe can leave you with a huge puddle of water in your building. The water may also soak your walls, carpets or ceilings. Over time, this could lead to the growth of mold that causes even further damage. You thus need to contact emergency cleanup professionals as soon as you discover the bursting pipes. Look for a company that provides 24-hour service. Even a few-hour delay could have severe consequences.

3. Take Preventative Measures

Once the cleanup is complete, talk to the experts about limiting additional pipe breaks. They can tell you how to spot and thaw frozen pipes before they burst. You can use warm washcloths or hair dryers to heat up the pipes. You may also want to keep a trickle of water flowing through the pipes at all times. This will stop the water from freezing.
Frozen pipes can flood your Houston, TX, property during the winter. If this happens to you, turn off the water immediately and contact experts who know how to fix broken pipe. The professionals can also help you prevent bursting pipes in the future.