24/7 Emergency Services
Burst Pipe Water Damage Cleanup
Shut off the main valve. Then call us.
A person answers 24/7.
What you can expect from us
- A real person answers the phone 24 hours a day, and we can often be on site within a few hours.
- We work with every insurance company and document the damage for your claim.
- Ajaxx is an IICRC Certified Firm, which means our technicians are trained to the industry's cleaning and restoration standards.
Shut off the main water valve first. It is usually where the water line comes through the basement wall. Turn off power to wet rooms only if you can do it from a dry spot. Then call a plumber for the pipe, and call us to pull the water out and dry the house.
What to do right now
- Shut off the main water valve.
- Turn off power to wet areas only from a dry spot.
- Open faucets to drain what is left in the pipes.
- Move belongings away from the water.
- Call a plumber for the pipe.
Is it safe to go back in?
- Gas or fire: if you smell gas or see fire or smoke, get everyone out and call 911.
- Electricity: do not step into standing water that may touch outlets, cords or appliances. Turn power off at the breaker only if you can reach it from a dry spot; otherwise call your utility or an electrician.
- Standing water: floodwater and sewage can carry bacteria. Avoid skin contact and keep children and pets away.
- Sagging ceilings: stay out of any room where the ceiling is bulging or sagging. Wet drywall and plaster can fall without warning.
- Mold: do not scrub or disturb visible mold. Keep anyone with asthma, allergies or a weak immune system away from the area.
Where is the main water shutoff?
In most Michigan homes it is in the basement or crawl space, where the water line comes through the foundation wall, often near the meter. If you cannot find it or it will not turn, your water department can shut it off at the curb.
Why do pipes freeze and burst?
Water expands when it freezes. Pressure builds between the ice and the closed faucet, and the pipe splits, often away from the ice itself. The leak usually starts when the pipe thaws, so many burst pipes are found a day or two after a cold snap ends.
Pipes most at risk:
- Pipes in outside walls
- Crawl spaces, unheated garages and attics
- Sink plumbing on outside walls
- Outdoor faucets that were not shut off and drained
- Vacant homes and rentals between tenants
What we do
- Pull out the water from floors, carpet and the basement.
- Find where it went. Water runs inside walls, under flooring and down to the floor below. Moisture meters find wet spots that look dry.
- Remove only what cannot be dried, like soaked carpet pad or swollen trim.
- Dry the structure with air movers and dehumidifiers, and check readings every day.
- Keep records for your insurance.
Preventing the next one
Keep the heat at 55°F or higher when you are away. Open sink cabinets on outside walls during cold snaps. Shut off and drain outdoor faucets in the fall.
Why do people call Ajaxx?
A real person answers the phone 24 hours a day, and we can often be on site within a few hours. Ajaxx is an IICRC Certified Firm, which means our technicians are trained to the industry’s cleaning and restoration standards. Our team is licensed and certified, and we work with every insurance company and document the damage for your claim. We handle your project from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first when a pipe bursts?
Shut off the main water valve. Then turn off power to wet areas if you can do it safely, and call a plumber and a water damage company.
Can a burst pipe cause mold?
Yes, if the water is not dried within a day or two. Drying quickly is the best way to prevent it.
How long does drying take after a burst pipe?
Often 3 to 5 days for clean water caught early. It depends on the materials and how far the water spread.
Does insurance cover a burst pipe?
Many policies cover sudden pipe bursts. Damage from long, slow leaks is often treated differently. Ask your agent or adjuster.
Related Services & Help
What happens when you call?
- Call or text
A person picks up any hour. Tell us what happened and we'll tell you what to do until we arrive. - We look first
We can often be on site within a few hours. We check for hidden water or soot and walk you through the plan. - We stop it from spreading
We pull out water, cover openings or seal off the area on the first visit. - We clean up and keep records
We clean what can be saved. You get photos, notes and moisture readings to send your insurance company.