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3/6/2019 (Permalink)
Broken Pipe Causes Ceiling Collapse
The Following 4 Steps Can Help You Limit The Extent of Water Damage
Worried about bursting pipes at your commercial property in Thornton, CO? If so, you’re not alone. Water damage is the most common type of environmental damage encountered by small business owners, and it can put a serious strain on both budget and patience. Although dealing with a broken water pipe can be daunting for first-timers, the following four steps can help you limit the extent of water damage in Thornton and get on the road to recovery faster.1. Cut Power
Water is highly conductive and can transfer electricity well, which means even a small amount of moisture near live electricity can present a potentially serious health hazard. Before you inspect the water damage, turn off the power by flipping the breakers for all affected areas.
2. Locate Source
After you’ve ensured the electricity is off, you’ll want to find the source of the water damage next. If the bursting pipes are still being fed water, and you’re on location, follow the pipe until you come across a valve or twist knob. Typically, these switches are low to the ground and do not require special tools to manipulate.
Note that if you’re unable to locate a valve, your water supplier should be your next call. In most cases, your water company will have a designated emergency hotline and can deploy someone to cut the water off at the property’s primary pipeline.
3. Contact Help
Once you’ve had a chance to stop the damage and assess the situation, your next step should be contacting your insurance company and water damage specialists. It’s vital that you begin coordinating recovery efforts as quickly as possible, as delays can lead to costly complications later in the form of secondary moisture damage and mold growth.
4. Start Repairs
Whether you need to fix broken pipe junctions or replace whole pipelines, begin repairs and cleanup as quickly as you can. The sooner you can put bursting pipes behind your business and stop water damage in its tracks, the sooner you can get back to using – and enjoying – your property.