Think you’ve cleaned up after a burst pipe? Think again. Learn why mopping water isn’t enough to protect your Grove City home from mold and hidden damage.

Can I just mop up the water myself?

Burst & Frozen Pipe Cleanup FAQs
September 11, 2025•2 min read

Can I Just Mop Up the Water Myself After a Pipe Bursts?

Short answer: Not really.

After a burst pipe or frozen pipe thaws and floods your home, it’s tempting to grab a mop, throw down some towels, and think it’s handled. But water has a nasty habit of sneaking into places you can’t see or reach. Just because your floors look dry doesn’t mean your home is safe.

What Happens If I Just Mop?

When you mop surface water and leave it at that, you’re leaving behind hidden moisture in:

  • Wall cavities

  • Under flooring and subfloor

  • Behind baseboards

  • Inside insulation

That leftover moisture is where mold grows. It also weakens wood, rusts metal, and can even damage your home’s structure over time.

How Do the Pros Clean Up Burst Pipe Damage?

At Total Home Water Restoration, we go way beyond towels and fans.

Here’s what we do:

  • Thermal imaging cameras find hidden moisture behind walls and under floors.

  • Moisture meters tell us how deep the water went.

  • Professional air movers and dehumidifiers pull moisture out fast—before mold sets in.

  • Drying plans and monitoring ensure we hit every wet spot, every day, until it's dry.

Why It Matters

Even a small leak from a frozen pipe can lead to thousands in damage if not properly dried out. Homeowners’ insurance may not cover mold that grows later if they find out it wasn’t dried correctly the first time.

Don’t risk it. If your pipes burst in Grove City or anywhere in the Columbus area, call a licensed, experienced restoration contractor right away.

FAQ

Q: How quickly should I call after a pipe bursts?
A: Immediately. The longer water sits, the deeper it spreads. Mold can start within 24-48 hours.

Q: What if I already mopped and used fans?
A: That’s a good start, but we recommend a professional inspection with moisture meters to be sure. You can’t dry what you can’t see.

Q: Will insurance cover this?
A: In many cases, yes—especially if you act quickly and use a licensed contractor. We can help you document the damage for your claim.

Need Help Fast?

Call Tyler Zimmerman at Total Home Water Restoration at 380-246-1837. We’re based in Grove City and serve all of Columbus, including Hilliard, Dublin, Worthington, and nearby towns. We’ll fix it like it’s our own home.

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