Tips for Getting Your Leicester Home Back in Shape After a Burst Pipe

The recent cold spell inevitably led to an increase in the number of burst pipes. This can be a nightmare scenario at any time, but if you are trying to sell your home – or are thinking about putting it on the market with Keywest – it can be a source of real stress.

There’s no reason to panic, however, as taking it step by step and following the advice in this helpful guide can help you get your home looking and feeling its best again in no time at all.

First and foremost, make sure that the problem has been properly fixed by a qualified plumber and then start cleaning up as soon as you can. If the damage has been limited to one room, or only a little bit more, then you should be able to clear up the mess yourself. If, however, the leak has damaged several rooms, went unnoticed for eight hours or more, or if water made its way down for an upper floor to a lower floor in your Leicester property, then you may want to get professional help with the drying and clean-up efforts.

If you decide to tackle the job yourself, make sure you stay safe at all times. If you had a leak near electrical appliances, for example, ensure that the power is off before you start to clean. Take out carpets, furniture and anything else that is removable from the flooded area and decide if they can be salvaged or not.

If there is still visible water, soak it up using a mop and towels or use a wet and dry vacuum cleaner to suck it up. There are options to hire one of these, or you can try to borrow one if you don’t have your own.

Open as many doors and windows as you can to allow fresh, dry air into your home and set up fans turned up to full – if you can bear the cold. If this is still not enough, borrow or rent a dehumidifier and place it in areas most affected by your leak. This will take out moisture from the air, helping to dry out the area faster than fans alone can manage. Make sure you keep checking the dehumidifier and empty out the water when it becomes full.

You can also buy desiccant products online or from your local DIY supplier. These come in different forms but are most likely to be sachets or tubs of silica gel which you can place on flooring or near walls to help soak up the additional moisture.

If you suspect that water has got into the drywall or the subflooring, it is probably a good idea to contact a professional for help, as they will be able to deal with issues and prevent mould from forming in the future. You should also bear in mind that some porous materials which have been exposed to moisture for a while may continue to deteriorate over time and so may need to be replaced in order to prevent problems in the future. These can include adhesives, insulation and the backing on carpets.

Are you looking to buy or sell property in Leicester? Call us today at our office at Hinckley Road 01162 544 555, or Queens Road 01162 544 543.