5 Mistakes to Avoid After a Pipe Burst in Your Home
5 Mistakes to Avoid After a Burst Pipe | Edwards Property Remediation
A burst pipe can lead to major water damage fast. Avoid these 5 costly mistakes and learn what to do immediately to protect your West Palm Beach home.
Introduction
A burst pipe is one of the most stressful emergencies a homeowner can face. In just minutes, hundreds of gallons of water can flood your home, ruin flooring, and soak drywall. The key to limiting damage is knowing what not to do.
If you’re in West Palm Beach, here are five common mistakes to avoid after a pipe bursts — and what to do instead.
1. ❌ Delaying the Shut-Off Valve
Why it’s a problem: Every second counts when water is gushing into your home. The longer you wait to shut off the main water valve, the more damage is done.
What to do instead:
✅ Know where your main shut-off valve is located and turn it off immediately when a pipe bursts. Then open faucets to relieve pressure.
2. ❌ Trying to Handle All the Water Yourself
Why it’s a problem: Mopping or shop-vacuuming may seem helpful, but it won’t remove water trapped beneath floors, inside walls, or under cabinets. DIY cleanup often misses moisture — leading to mold growth.
What to do instead:
✅ Call a professional water mitigation company like Edwards Property Remediation to handle extraction, drying, and moisture detection.
3. ❌ Not Documenting the Damage for Insurance
Why it’s a problem: Without clear documentation, your insurance claim could be delayed or denied. You need proof of both the damage and your immediate response.
What to do instead:
✅ Take photos and videos of everything — wet floors, soaked furniture, burst pipes, and cleanup efforts. Save all receipts and records of service.
4. ❌ Skipping a Moisture Inspection
Why it’s a problem: Just because surfaces look dry doesn’t mean they are. Water can seep into insulation, drywall, and subfloors, causing hidden damage and mold problems down the line.
What to do instead:
✅ Schedule a moisture inspection with a certified restoration team. At Edwards Property Remediation, we use thermal imaging and moisture meters to detect hidden wet spots.
5. ❌ Waiting Too Long to Call a Pro
Why it’s a problem: Florida’s humidity makes mold grow fast — within 24–48 hours. Waiting even one day to call a water damage expert could turn a cleanup into a full remediation job.
What to do instead:
✅ Call Edwards Property Remediation right away. We’re available 24/7 for pipe burst emergencies in West Palm Beach and surrounding areas.
Why Homeowners Choose Us
- ✅ Fast 24/7 Emergency Response
- ✅ Advanced Drying Equipment
- ✅ Trusted by Insurance Carriers
- ✅ Fully Licensed & Insured
- ✅ 5-Star Rated in Palm Beach County
Conclusion
A burst pipe is never convenient — but how you respond makes all the difference. Avoiding these common mistakes can save you thousands in repairs and weeks of stress.
📞 Call Edwards Property Remediation at (754)221-6945
📅 Book an Emergency Service Now