Pipe Burst in Your Charleston Home? Here Is Your Emergency Action Plan

The sound of rushing water inside your walls or crawlspace is every homeowner’s nightmare.

In the Lowcountry, we often worry about hurricanes, but a burst pipe can cause catastrophic damage just as quickly, often when you least expect it. Whether it’s due to an unexpected winter freeze that caught your uninsulated pipes off guard, or simply aging plumbing in one of Charleston’s historic homes, the result is the same: panic.

When gallons of water are pouring into your home, every minute counts. The difference between a manageable cleanup and a massive mold remediation project is how quickly you react.

Do not panic. Follow this emergency action plan immediately to protect your property and your family.

Step 1: Stop the Water immediately

The very first priority is to stop the active flooding. Do not wait for a professional to arrive to do this.

Find Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve

You need to cut off the water supply to the entire house.

• In newer Charleston homes: Look in the garage, near the water heater, or on an interior closet wall near the front of the house.

• In older or historic homes: You may need to go outside to the street meter. Look for a metal cover on the ground near the sidewalk. You may need a water meter key or a wrench to turn the valve clockwise until it stops.

If you live in a condo or apartment complex and cannot find an individual shut-off, contact building maintenance immediately.

Drain the Remaining Water

Once the main supply is off, open the faucets in the lowest part of your home (like a downstairs bathtub or sink). This relieves pressure in the system and drains out the remaining water, stopping the leak faster.

Step 2: Ensure Electrical Safety

Water and electricity are a deadly combination. If the water has reached electrical outlets, appliances, or your breaker panel, do not enter the area.

If it is safe to do so without standing in water, turn off the electricity to the affected areas via your main breaker box. If you are unsure if the area is safe, evacuate the home and wait for professionals.

Step 3: Call the Charleston Restoration Experts

Once the immediate threat is neutralized, you need to mobilize a professional response team. A standard plumber can fix the broken pipe, but they are not equipped to handle the water damage, structural drying, and mold prevention necessary after a flood.

Call Boss Disaster Restoration Inc. immediately.

We are available 24/7 for emergencies in the Charleston area. Our rapid response team has the industrial-grade equipment needed to extract water and begin the drying process before secondary damage sets in.

Call Boss Disaster Restoration Inc. Now: 843-884-4000

Step 4: Mitigate Damage While You Wait

After you have called Boss Disaster Restoration Inc., there are a few steps you can take to protect your belongings if it is safe to do so.

• Document Everything: Before moving anything, take extensive photos and videos of the damage for insurance purposes. Show the source of the leak and all affected items.

• Protect Valuables: Move electronics, documents, and expensive furniture out of the wet area. If furniture is too heavy to move, place aluminum foil or wood blocks under the legs to prevent staining on wet carpets.

• Remove Standing Water: If the standing water is not near electrical outlets, you can begin mopping or using towels to soak up excess water.

• Start Air Circulation: If the weather is dry (not humid or raining), open windows to allow cross-ventilation. If the electricity in that room is definitely safe, turn on ceiling fans.

Why Is Prompt Action Critical in Charleston?

In the Charleston area, our high humidity presents a unique challenge. When indoor materials get wet, they do not simply air dry on their own.

Mold can begin to grow on damp drywall, wood, and carpeting in as little as 24 to 48 hours in our climate.

Calling a professional restoration company in Charleston like Boss Disaster Restoration isn’t just about cleaning up a mess; it’s about saving your home from long-term structural damage and hazardous mold infestations. Boss Disaster Restoration Inc. uses thermal imaging to find hidden moisture behind walls and under floors to ensure the home is truly dry.

Frequently Asked Questions About Burst Pipes

Will my homeowners insurance cover a burst pipe?

Typically, yes. Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover “sudden and accidental” water damage from a burst pipe. They usually cover the resulting water damage to your home and personal property, as well as the cost of water extraction and drying. They often do not cover the plumber’s bill to fix the actual broken pipe segment.

Boss Disaster Restoration Inc. works directly with your insurance carrier to streamline the claims process.

How long does the drying process take?

Every situation is unique, depending on the severity of the flood and the types of materials affected. Generally, professional structural drying takes between 3 and 5 days using industrial dehumidifiers and air movers.

Can I just use a shop vac and fans myself?

For a major pipe burst, no. Consumer-grade shop vacs cannot extract water from deep within carpet padding, and standard house fans do not provide enough airflow to dry drywall before mold begins to grow. Professional equipment is necessary to thoroughly dry the structure of your home.

The Calm After the Storm

A burst pipe is traumatic, but you will get through it. By acting quickly to shut off the water and immediately calling in professional help, you are already minimizing the damage.

Trust the local experts to handle the rest.

If you are experiencing a water emergency or water damage in Charleston, call Boss Disaster Restoration Inc. immediately for rapid response.