Has a burst pipe in the ceiling damaged your home? Finding and repairing a burst pipe in a wall or ceiling isn’t easy. Even once the pipe is repaired, you’ll need to dry the room and remove all standing water carefully.
We’ll review some of the most common causes of a pipe bursting in the ceiling. Then, this article will guide you on important steps to take to clean up the damage from a faulty pipe in your Tennessee home.
What Causes a Burst Ceiling Pipe?
Extreme cold weather is the most common cause of a burst pipe in the ceiling. Cold weather causes the water in your pipes to expand and contract. Eventually, the pressure on the pipes is too much and causes a pipe break.
A burst ceiling pipe can also occur from storm damage or an improperly installed or damaged roof. The biggest sign of a pipe burst in the ceiling is water leaks or visible damage.
Important Steps Following a Pipe Burst in the Ceiling
Here are a few important steps to take after a pipe bursts in the ceiling:
Contact a Professional Water Remediation Company
You may need a professional remediation company to ensure you remove all damage. Otherwise, a leaky roof can lead to mold growth in as little as 24 hours. Additionally, the damages from a ceiling leak aren’t always easy to safely reach.
Contacting a damage restoration professional should also be the first step since they can help you tackle all additional necessary steps. This includes contacting repair contractors, documenting your insurance claim, and helping you sort out your belongings.
Look for the Leak and Assess the Burst Pipes Damage
You’ll want to know where the leak is coming from and determine whether or not you can repair it yourself. Your restoration contactor can help you track down the best roofing contractor to assess and repair your roof. Assessing the damage and understanding what caused it can also help prevent your pipes from freezing again.
Turn off the Electricity and Water
Before attempting to make any repairs, make sure you turn off the electricity and water supply. This helps prevent the original leak from worsening. You can turn off your home’s water supply at the water meter and the electricity at the breaker box.
File a Claim With Your Insurance Company When a Pipe Bursts
Most homeowners insurance policies cover water damage. While your policy may not cover repairs, it should cover cleanup from water damage.
Take photographs of the broken plumbing and all associated damage. Work with your remediation company to file an insurance claim as soon as possible.
Fix the Burst Pipe
Depending on the extent and severity of the break, you may be able to repair it yourself. Larger breaks or busted plumbing pieces may require the knowledge of a professional plumber.
Fixing a pipe break typically involves a full pipe replacement. You may choose a similar piping material as the rest of your plumbing, or this may be a good time to update your system.
Remove the Water and Dry the Area
Once repairs are complete, it’s time to remove any standing water and thoroughly dry the area. You want to ensure the ceiling, all walls, and floors are completely dry, but you can usually leave this step to the restoration team.
Collect the Necessary Materials to Repair the Damage
You’ll need certain materials to fix the ceiling. A plastic drop cloth can come in handy to prevent the broken pipe from also affecting the floors.
Other materials you’ll need to make the necessary repairs include a sleeve clamp kit, joint compound, and drywall tape. Fiberglass tape may also be helpful when you patch the ceiling.
You’ll also need ample replacement drywall and ceiling materials. Ensure you have plenty of fresh air when working with standing water and drywall.
Remove Wet Parts and Repair the Ceiling
Removing all parts of the ceiling and walls that show water damage is essential. A pipe bursting in the ceiling usually leads to a hole. This may be surrounded by a brownish tint which indicates the affected areas. Take note of the damaged area and have a bucket handy.
It’s also a good idea to store your materials in a secure place. Cutting into the ceiling opening with a sharp tool may temporarily lead to more dripping water, which could lead to water-damaged materials. Wet materials are also at risk of mold or bacteria growth.
Reassess the Damages
After repairs and cleanup, you’ll want to reassess the damages. Ensure all mildew, mold, and wet areas are properly cleaned and removed.
Continue checking for additional leaks that may indicate other problems with your home’s pipes. A leak doesn’t always lead to flooding, but monitoring it can help save you a lot of time and money.
Burst Pipes and a Leaking Ceiling – Do You Need a Professional?
The biggest problem with a burst pipe in the ceiling is that they’re not always easy to identify. You may not notice a burst ceiling pipe until weeks or months after, especially if it’s in a room you don’t often use. Also, residual moisture may damage the walls and drywall before it leaks through the ceiling.
When a pipe bursts, mold spores may begin growing in as little as 24-48 hours.
Nashville homeowners will likely want to work with a professional restoration company to get rid of all indications of water damage.
Is a Ceiling Burst Pipe an Emergency?
A ceiling burst pipe is usually a plumbing emergency. When a pipe bursts, the water may come flowing out fast, which can quickly cause a lot of damage to your home.
The water can lead to a hole in the ceiling, causing damage at a steady rate and putting you and your family at risk. Once you notice signs of mold, it’s time to call in a professional mold remediation company.
Burst Pipe in Ceiling in Tennessee? We Can Help
Whether your ceiling pipe burst due to freezing temperatures or rust, prompt repairs and remediation are necessary. As a restoration company, Nashville Water Damage Restoration specializes in water damage and flood cleanup when a ceiling pipe breaks.
Our certified technicians can help you stop the leak, collect quotes to repair the pipe, and properly clean your home.
