A burst pipe can feel like your worst nightmare, especially when it happens suddenly without warning.
Fortunately, the team here at ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba has seen it all and understands exactly what to do in these tough situations.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to do to reclaim your home after a burst pipe disaster.
Key Takeaways
- If you have a burst pipe in your Des Plaines home, shut off the water supply, turn off electricity in the affected areas, open faucets to relieve pressure in the pipes, and move valuables and other personal items out of harm’s way before the pros arrive.
- Call a local plumber to identify the cause and repair the broken pipe.
- Contact ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba at (773) 647-1985 for professional restoration and repair services.
What to Do Right Away
1. Shut Off Your Water Supply
Stop the water from flowing into your home to prevent more damage:
Locate the main water shut-off valve, which is often in the basement or near where the water line enters your home, and turn it off completely.
2. Turn Off Electricity in Affected Areas If Safe
Water and electricity do not mix. With that in mind, follow these steps:
- If water is near outlets, appliances, or exposed wiring, turn off the power to affected areas at the breaker box.
- Only do this if it is safe. If standing water is present, skip this step and call for professional help.
3. Open Faucets to Relieve Pipe Pressure
After shutting off the water, open nearby faucets.
This helps relieve pressure in the plumbing system and drains remaining water, which may reduce the risk of additional breaks.
4. Contain the Damage Before Help Arrives
If you can safely access the affected area, take these steps to minimize the damage:
- Move furniture, electronics, rugs, valuables, and personal items away from water
- Soak up standing water with towels or a mop
- Open windows or use fans to circulate air
- Call the pros to fix the burst pipe and address the water damage
How to Handle a Burst Pipe
1. Contact a Local Plumber in Des Plaines
Contact a licensed plumber to repair the broken pipe before cleanup begins.
A plumber will:
- Locate the damaged section of the pipe
- Make permanent repairs or replacements
- Confirm the plumbing system is safe to use again
2. Document the Damage for Insurance
Take photos and videos of all affected areas and damaged belongings.
Keep notes about when the damage occurred and what areas were impacted.
Note: Professional restoration companies like ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba can also provide detailed documentation to support insurance claims.
3. Call a Water Damage Restoration Professional
At this stage, contacting a professional restoration company is one of the most important decisions you can make.
At ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba, we use advanced moisture detection tools, industrial drying equipment, and proven restoration methods to fully address water damage in Des Plaines homes.
We will:
1. Inspect the Damage and Create a Restoration Plan
Our first step is to inspect all the damage and map out exactly how we’ll restore your home.
We’ll examine soaked drywall, baseboards, and every affected surface to create a comprehensive plan that brings your home back to its original condition.
2. Identify Hidden Damage
Not all water damage shows up right away. That’s why we keep an eye out for:
- Warping or buckling floors
- Peeling paint or bubbling drywall
- Musty odors
- Soft or sagging areas in walls or ceilings
- Mold growth or discoloration
When we spot these signs, we’ll use our specialized equipment to locate and eliminate the hidden moisture before it causes more damage.
3. Remove Standing Water and Start Drying
Standing water spreads quickly and can seep into flooring, drywall, insulation, and framing materials.
We use commercial-grade water extraction equipment to fully remove standing water and moisture that your household tools cannot reach.
Even after we remove all the visible water, moisture can still hide behind your walls, under the flooring, and inside insulation.
We’ll bring in industrial air movers, dehumidifiers, and moisture detection tools to make sure everything dries thoroughly.
4. Clean and Sanitize the Space
Once we’ve gotten rid of the standing water and dried all the affected surfaces, we’ll clean and sanitize the space to prevent mold and mildew growth.
This promotes a healthy home and ensures that your space is safe to live in even after flood damage.
5. Repair and Restore the Space
Finally, we’ll restore your space to its pre-flood condition.
We’ll make sure that all the work is done to your satisfaction and that everything we provide is backed by a one-year work warranty.
Why Do Pipes Burst in Des Plaines?
Des Plaines experiences harsh winter conditions and frequent temperature swings that put stress on plumbing systems.
Here’s what typically causes a pipe to burst:
- Freezing temperatures that cause water inside pipes to expand
- Older plumbing materials, found in many Des Plaines homes
- Sudden cold snaps following mild weather
How to Prevent Future Leaks
You can’t prevent every pipe leak, but these steps will help lower the risk of a disaster:
- Insulate exposed pipes, especially in basements and exterior walls
- Keep your home heated consistently during winter, even when you’re away
- Let the faucets drip slightly during extreme cold
- Open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate plumbing
- Have older plumbing systems inspected before winter
Pro tip: If you plan to travel during winter, consider shutting off the main water supply as an added precaution.
Real Results: How We Restored an Apartment in Des Plaines After a Burst Pipe
When a pipe burst in this Des Plaines apartment bathroom, water spread into the entryway, hallway, laundry room, two bedrooms, and part of the dining area. The owner called us right away.
We arrived and found water had soaked through the laminate floors, underlayment, and baseboards in multiple rooms.
We dried the concrete walls in place without tearing anything out. But the bathroom walls were drywall and gypsum board, completely saturated. We opened them up to reach the damage inside.
We pulled out the damaged flooring and baseboards, room by room. Then we cleaned and sanitized each floor and treated one foot up every wall to prevent mold growth.
In the bathroom, we disconnected the vanity, mirror, lights, and toilet so we could remove the wall and reach the wet studs and joists behind it.
We dried out the structure completely and cleaned everything that water had touched. Because the owner called us quickly, the apartment is now dry and ready for repairs.
Don’t Let Burst Pipes Ruin Your Home -We can Help!
A burst pipe can be a major issue, but it doesn’t have to destroy your space – as long as you act fast!
Here at ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba, we specialize in helping local residents in Des Plaines recover from the damage caused by burst pipes.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help protect and reclaim your home: (773) 647-1985.
FAQs
What are the signs of a burst pipe?
- sudden drops in water pressure
- unexplained puddles, water stains
- bulging walls or ceilings
- the sound of running water when fixtures are turned off
How long does water damage cleanup take?
Cleanup timelines vary. Minor water damage may take a few days to dry, while more severe cases can take a week or longer, depending on the extent of saturation and repairs needed.
Will insurance cover a burst pipe in Des Plaines?
Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover sudden and accidental pipe bursts and resulting water damage. Coverage varies by policy, so review your plan and document damage promptly.
