If a water pipe bursts in your garage, it’s probably caused severe damage. To prevent it from getting worse, you have to address the problem quickly.
Fortunately, we’re here to help.
At ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba, we have over 85 years of combined experience helping Chicago-area homeowners deal with plumbing leaks.
In this blog, we’ve compiled that expertise into a comprehensive guide to help you learn what to do during a disaster like this.
Key Takeaways
- To fix a burst water pipe in the garage, use tape to cover pinholes, patch the break with a c-clamp, stop drips with a hose clamp, wrap the pipe with fiberglass tape, use epoxy putty to seal the leak, use a pipe repair clamp to fix the break, or cut and replace the damaged pipe. Then, start the restoration process with the help of a professional restoration team and conduct a final inspection when the work is done.
- To prevent burst pipe problems in the garage, add insulation to exterior garage walls, install shut-off valves for garage pipes, inspect your home’s plumbing annually, and replace rusted pipes and fittings as quickly as possible.
- If you need burst pipe water damage cleanup, contact ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba for comprehensive cleanup and repair services.
Before You Get Started
- Turn off the Water: Before taking any action, carefully assess the extent of the water damage. Identify the source of the burst pipe and ensure the water supply is turned off to prevent further damage. If there’s any flooding in the garage, turn off the electricity and unplug potential electrical hazards like the washer and dryer. Drain the plumbing system by opening indoor faucets and flushing toilets.
- Safety First: Wear protective gear, including gloves, waterproof boots, and eye protection. Ensure the area is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling any potentially harmful substances that may be present due to water damage.
- Gather Necessary Equipment: Gather a wet-dry vacuum, dehumidifiers, and fans to dry out the area. Collect a toolbox for any repairs you can handle yourself, such as tightening clamps or replacing a section of pipe.
- Document Everything: Take photos or videos of the damage for insurance purposes. Keeping a detailed record can help streamline the claims process and ensure you receive the appropriate compensation.
- Decide on DIY vs. Professional Restoration: Evaluate the scope of the damage. Minor, manageable repairs might be within the ambit of a skilled DIYer. However, for extensive damage or if the structure of your home is affected, we recommend hiring a professional restoration team like ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba. Ensure the team is licensed and insured, and check their references before committing.
What To Do When A Water Pipe Bursts In The Garage
1. Temporarily Tape Pinholes
As water in a pipe freezes and expands, it can cause pinhole leaks. Copper pipes also develop this problem due to age and corrosion. Seal pinholes with tight wraps of electrical tape or duct tape. It’s a temporary fix that works until you can run to the hardware store.
2. Patch With A C-Clamp
Start short-term repairs by cutting a length of old rubber hose or tubing to fit over and around the break. Secure a wood block over the rubber piece with a C-clamp. If the broken pipe surface measures more than an inch, use two clamps to tighten the patch.
3. Stop Drips With Hose Clamps
Use this stopgap fix to cover breaks too large for the C-clamp method. Tightly wrap the burst pipe with a rubber patch several inches longer and wider than the damaged area. Hold it in place with a hose clamp at each end. The pressure should stop the leak.
4. Fix With Fiberglass Tape
Fiberglass tape is a durable plumbing fix that holds up to fluctuating water pressure better than clamps. The tape is permeated with fiberglass resin that activates when wet and quickly cures into a permanent seal. Be sure to follow product instructions and wear protective gloves when working with the material.
5. Seal It With Epoxy Putty
This is one of the easiest ways to permanently repair a burst pipe in the garage. Sand the pipe surface, and make sure it’s clean and dry. Knead enough epoxy putty to fill and cover the damage, apply it into and around the break, and let it cure for an hour before turning the water back on.
6. Use A Pipe Repair Clamp
If garage pipes are in good shape, a pipe repair clamp can be a permanent fix, too. It securely seals the leak with a durable rubber sheath and round metal plates. Simply prep the break, apply the clamp, and screw it into place.
7. Cut And Replace Damaged Pipe
You can take some of the work out of a permanent DIY pipe fix with a burst pipe repair kit. Be sure to cut several inches past the damage on either end. File down the exposed pipe, replace the bad length with the kit’s connector, and secure with included push-fit couplings.
8. Start The Restoration Process
Restoration after water damage in a garage, especially following a burst pipe, requires professional assistance and is usually beyond the capacity of the average DIY job.
A professional restoration team brings specialized knowledge, equipment, and techniques tailored to address not just the immediate aftermath but also the long-term effects of water damage.
Here’s the process most teams follow
- Assessment
First, the team conducts a comprehensive assessment, using moisture detection devices to identify all areas affected by water, including those that aren’t immediately visible.
This step is critical for ensuring a thorough restoration process, as untreated moisture can lead to mold growth and structural damage over time.
- Cleaning and Drying
Following the assessment, the professional team will employ commercial-grade water extraction equipment to remove standing water efficiently.
This crucial step differs significantly from DIY methods, which might only partially eliminate all moisture.
The team will use high-powered dehumidifiers to thoroughly dry the area, which can take several days.
In addition to drying, the restoration team will clean and disinfect the area, using safe yet effective solutions against the contaminants often found in garage water damage situations.
This step includes treating the area for mold and mildew prevention, which is paramount for maintaining air quality and the health of the garage’s occupants.
- Comprehensive Restoration
Finally, the restoration process will address any structural repairs. Professionals have the expertise to identify which components of the garage’s structure can be salvaged and which need replacing.
From the drywall and insulation to the electrical wiring, every aspect is inspected and repaired or replaced as necessary, ensuring the garage is safe and functional.
9. Final Inspection
Following the comprehensive restoration efforts, a final inspection is crucial to ensure that every aspect of the water-damaged garage has been effectively addressed.
During this phase, the restoration company, alongside the homeowner, should systematically review the work completed.
This includes checking the dryness levels of walls, floors, and other structural elements with moisture meters to verify that no dampness remains, inspecting for any overlooked damages or areas that might be susceptible to future water intrusion, and ensuring that all repairs meet local building codes and standards.
Additionally, the garage’s air quality should be tested to see if mold spores or other contaminants are present and to confirm that the environment is safe for occupancy.
This collaborative inspection is vital for ensuring the restoration has been thoroughly executed and that the homeowner can have peace of mind about the safety and integrity of their garage.
How to Keep Pipes from Bursting in the Garage
Water damage in the garage can be expensive, so check your homeowner’s insurance policy. Talk with your agent about the details to ensure you’re covered for this plumbing mishap.
To prevent the inconvenience and potential damage of burst pipes in the garage, follow these tips:
- Insulate Pipes: Wrap pipes in your garage with insulation materials. Foam pipe insulation is an affordable and effective option. Additionally, install a shut-off valve for garage pipes.
- Use Heat Tape or Cables: Apply heat tape or heat cables around pipes that are exposed to severe cold. These electrical devices warm the pipes to prevent freezing.
- Keep the Garage Warm: If possible, maintain a warmer temperature inside the garage. A small electric space heater can help but always follow safety guidelines to avoid fire risks.
- Seal Cracks and Holes: Inspect the garage for any cracks or holes that may allow cold air in, particularly around garage doors, windows, and along the foundation. Use caulk or insulation to seal these areas.
- Disconnect Hoses: Remove any garden hoses connected to garage spigots and shut off the water supply to these outdoor faucets if possible. Drain the remaining water from the faucet.
- Leave Faucets Dripping: In extremely cold weather, leaving a tap slightly open to allow a trickle of water can prevent pressure build-up from freezing water.
- Open Cabinet Doors: If the garage has water supply lines, keep the cabinet doors open to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
- Insulate the Garage Door: Adding insulation panels to the inside of your garage door can help keep the temperature inside the garage from dropping too low.
- Monitor Temperature: Consider installing a garage thermometer to monitor the temperature. This can help you take action if the temperature drops too much.
- Conduct Routine Maintenance: Regularly inspect pipes for cracks or leaks and repair them promptly to prevent further damage from freezing temperatures. Replace all rusted pipes and fittings as soon as possible.
By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of experiencing burst pipes in your garage during the cold season.
Do You Have A Burst Pipe In The Garage In Chicago? We’re Here To Help
A burst pipe in the garage can soak stored belongings, equipment, and appliances, damage wood framing and drywall, and cause potential mold and mildew problems.
Our teams here in Chicago, IL handle all types of burst pipe water damage cleanup. We restore your property and belongings, address mold remediation and even take care of pipe leaks. We know you can handle most DIY pipe repairs, but you always have a solid backup.
Just call us at ServiceMaster by Zaba: (773) 647-1985
Water pipes in the garage can burst for several common reasons, including (but not limited to) the following: – Freezing Temperatures: Garages are often less well insulated than the main parts of a home, making them susceptible to dropping temperatures during winter. Water inside the pipes can freeze, expand, and increase the internal pressure, leading to bursts. – Wear and Tear: Over time, pipes may deteriorate due to rusting, corrosion, or weakening of material, making them more vulnerable to bursting under pressure or during cold snaps. – Improper Installation: Pipes that have been installed without proper support or incorrect sizing for the water flow can be more prone to bursting. – High Water Pressure: Excessive water pressure in the pipes can strain them to the point of rupture. This is often due to the absence of pressure regulators or because existing regulators fail. – Sudden Temperature Changes: Rapid temperature changes, such as using hot water in cold pipes, can cause sudden expansion and contraction, weakening the pipes over time and eventually leading to bursts.
Signs of a burst pipe in the garage can include visible water pooling on the floor, damp walls, or a musty odor indicating moisture presence. You might also notice an unexplained spike in your water bill, a clear indicator of excessive water use typically caused by leaks. Additionally, if there is a significant drop in water pressure when you use sinks or hoses in or around the garage, this could suggest a burst pipe. In colder climates, pipes can freeze and subsequently burst – signs of this include frost on the pipes. If you hear a hissing or dripping sound but cannot immediately see the source, it could also mean there’s a burst pipe hidden within the walls or ceiling of your garage.