As soon as a pipe breaks, the clock starts ticking for timely cleanup and restoration. A slow response or incomplete mitigation and cleanup measures raise risks of major damage and mold. Whether you own or manage a commercial building in Chicago, IL this timeline covers the steps you should take from noticing bursting pipes to extracting water and drying damage.

As Soon As Possible

Shut off the water supply to a building or portion of a building as soon as pipe break becomes apparent and contact a plumber to fix broken pipe. Water still in the line will leak, but this measure should significantly lessen the extent of damage. There may be several other ways to reduce damage:

Collect leaking water in containers
Try to contain water in one area
Start extracting water with a mop or towels

Regardless of the measures you take, make arrangements to fix the underlying problem and resulting damage. Mitigation can take place before and as a pipe is being fixed, but restoration can only proceed when an area is dry.

24 to 48 Hours

By this time, the affected area should be drying. Dehumidifiers, fans or industrial air movers may expedite drying time, depending on how much of a structure is affected by bursting pipes. If the damage dries quickly, mold growth will be less likely.

In Several Days

Several days after Category One water damage Chicago, a structure should be back to normal if the preceding mitigation, cleanup and drying measures have been taken. Otherwise, treated water may degrade into Category Two damage and will require disinfection and cleaning.

The same timeline applies for any degree of Category One damage, from a supply line leak to bursting pipes. Shutting off the water supply and repairing plumbing problems at a commercial property in Chicago, IL can limit primary and secondary water damage.