How to Dry Out a House After a Pipe Bursts
What Happens When a Pipe Bursts in Your Home?
You’re standing in water. The ceiling is dripping. Cabinets are soaked. The floor feels squishy. It’s chaos.
Whether it happened overnight or while you were at work, a burst pipe is one of the fastest ways your home can go from safe and dry to wet and damaged. It’s more than just water, it’s your peace of mind, your belongings, and sometimes, your walls and floors.
At A/S General Contracting, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners in Southern California recover from surprise leaks, pipe bursts, and floods. We understand how scary this feels, and we also know the steps to take so things don’t get worse.
This guide will walk you through exactly what to do, what to look for, what to avoid, how to dry things out safely, and when to call in experts who can restore your home to the way it was (or better!).
How to Spot Water Damage Early
Sometimes, water damage doesn’t look like a flood. It might start small. If you notice these signs, act fast before the damage spreads:
- Warped floors or baseboards
- Soft spots in the drywall
- A musty or damp smell
- Sudden spike in your water bill
- Water spots on ceilings or bubbling paint
Even if there’s no standing water, hidden moisture can stay trapped behind walls and under flooring. If it’s been longer than a day, mold could already be forming.
Step-by-Step: How to Dry Out a House After a Pipe Bursts
If a pipe just burst, follow this simple checklist:
Turn Off the Water Supply
Locate the main shut-off valve and stop the flow immediately. This prevents further flooding.
Shut Off Electricity (If Needed)
If water is near any electrical outlets or wiring, turn off the power to the affected areas from the breaker panel.
Move Belongings to Safety
Pick up furniture, electronics, rugs, and anything else that’s getting wet. Prop up items on wood blocks or remove them from the area.
Start Removing Water
Use towels, mops, buckets, and a wet/dry vacuum to extract as much water as you can.
Dry Out the Space
Open windows, run fans, and if possible, set up dehumidifiers. This helps reduce humidity and prevents mold growth.
Pull Up Carpets or Flooring (If Necessary)
If the water reached carpet padding, laminate, or hardwood flooring, it may need to be removed to allow the subfloor to dry completely.
Call A/S General Contracting
Our team can bring in professional-grade drying equipment, inspect behind walls, and begin the restoration process right away.
What Tools You Need (And What Professionals Use)
When drying out your home after a pipe bursts, the tools you use make a big difference. Homeowners typically rely on things like mops, towels, wet/dry vacuums, and box fans. These can help with surface-level cleanup, but they often fall short when it comes to removing deep moisture.
Professional restoration crews use high-powered extraction units to pull water from flooring and carpets more effectively. Instead of household fans, they use industrial air movers that circulate air quickly and thoroughly. For moisture control, they bring in commercial-grade dehumidifiers that can handle larger spaces and higher humidity. And while most homeowners have to guess where water might be hiding in the walls or ceiling, restoration experts use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find and measure hidden damp spots.
Trying to dry out your home on your own may seem faster or more affordable, but if moisture is left behind, it can lead to long-term issues like mold, rotting wood, or electrical damage. That’s why knowing the limits of DIY tools and when to bring in the pros can make all the difference.
When You Should Call a Water Damage Expert
Not every leak needs a contractor, but if you’re dealing with these situations, call a restoration company:
- Water soaked into walls, floors, or ceilings
- Carpets or insulation are saturated
- Water came from a sewage line (gray/black water)
- You smell mold or mildew after a day or two
- You don’t know if the area is fully dry
Experts like A/S General Contracting don’t just dry the surface. We inspect every layer, down to the framing, and help with both cleanup and repairs. We also document everything for your insurance claim.
The Hidden Dangers of Waiting Too Long
Waiting too long to dry out your home could mean:
- Mold starts growing in as little as 24-48 hours
- Subflooring can swell, crack, or buckle
- Drywall may lose its integrity
- Electric wiring exposed to moisture becomes a fire risk
- Insurance claims may be denied if you didn’t act fast enough
Moisture is sneaky. It finds cracks, seeps under walls, and spreads into places you can’t see.
What looks like a small puddle can turn into a complete rebuild if left untreated.
How Long Does It Take to Fully Dry Out a House?
Here’s a general timeline based on experience:
- 1–3 days: Minor drying with fans and good ventilation
- 3–7 days: Moderate water damage, especially with saturated walls or flooring
- 7–14+ days: Major restoration jobs with mold, structural drying, and material removal
Every house is different. The type of flooring, how quickly you act, and the tools used all affect drying time.
Can Insurance Cover the Damage from a Burst Pipe?
Yes, most standard homeowner policies cover damage from a sudden and accidental burst pipe. That includes:
- Water removal
- Drying and dehumidifying
- Repairs to flooring, drywall, and cabinetry
- Mold remediation (if needed)
- Temporary lodging if your home becomes unsafe
However, insurance may not pay if the burst happened due to long-term neglect, like ignoring leaks or not insulating pipes in winter.
At A/S, we help homeowners work through the claim process. We handle documentation, meet with adjusters, and offer accurate estimates using industry-standard software like Xactimate. If your claim is denied, we’ll still give you an honest quote for out-of-pocket work.
How A/S General Contracting Helps After a Burst Pipe
We’re not just a general contractor. We’re a restoration partner. Here’s what makes us different:
- Local expertise with 29+ years serving Southern California
- Licensed, bonded, and insured—we do things right
- IICRC-certified team trained in advanced drying, mold remediation, and structural repair
- 5-year warranty on all completed work
- Preferred vendor with major insurance companies
- Full-service restoration from start to finish (no need to hire multiple contractors)
We respond 24/7, even on holidays. Our trucks are ready, our team is experienced, and our goal is to make your house feel like home again, fast.
Next Steps: Who to Call and What to Do Now
If you’re dealing with a burst pipe right now, don’t panic. Start by stopping the water and staying safe. Then contact us.
Let us help you dry out, clean up, and rebuild with care, speed, and no pressure. We’ll walk you through every step, answer your questions, and help you get your home (and peace of mind) back.
