Burst Pipe in an Attic While the Homeowners Were Out of Town
Location: Downtown Atlanta, GA
Type of Loss: Attic pipe burst / water damage restoration
Response Time: Within 2 hours
Total Project Time: 12 days
The Situation: A Winter Surprise No One Wants
While these homeowners were out of town, freezing temperatures moved through the Atlanta area. A pipe in their attic burst and with no one home to catch it immediately, water quickly flowed into the insulation, ceiling, and walls below and spread to lower level flooring.
When they discovered the issue, they didn’t know who to call first. They asked their realtor, who quickly recommended Provision. Just so happens that our team had completed a project on her home just a week before, so she had first-hand experience with Provision and our process.
A little known fact is that attic pipe bursts are one of the most common causes of winter water damage in homes around Atlanta. When temperatures drop suddenly, plumbing in unconditioned spaces like attics becomes especially vulnerable.
By the time the homeowners got home, it was clear this wasn’t going to be a minor repair. It required immediate professional water damage mitigation.
Rapid Response in Downtown Atlanta
In water damage situations, speed changes everything.
We were able to be on site within two hours. Our technician Serge arrived first and immediately began assessing the extent of the damage.
The first priority in any burst pipe situation is stopping additional water flow. If water is still running, we always instruct homeowners to shut off the main supply immediately before we even arrive. If they don’t know how, we can typically guide them on how to do this.
Once we were on site, we began a full inspection using professional tools, not just the typical visual observation.
Identifying Hidden Water Damage
Water rarely stays where you first see it, always traveling through the smallest cracks and seeping through material. So to determine how far the moisture had spread, we used:
Professional moisture meters
Infrared thermal imaging cameras
These tools allow us to detect hidden water inside ceilings, insulation, and structural cavities. What looks like a small leak can often travel much further than expected.
During the colder months in Atlanta, we sometimes receive multiple burst pipe calls per day when temperatures rise again after a freeze. Because of that, our team is highly familiar with how attic water damage behaves and how to contain it quickly.
Protecting the Home Before Removing Materials
Before removing any wet materials, we installed custom-built containment barriers. These prevent dust and debris from spreading into unaffected parts of the home.
From there, the mitigation process moved carefully and methodically:
Removal of saturated insulation and damaged materials
Thorough photo documentation
Moisture readings recorded throughout
Preparation of detailed insurance documentation
We understand how insurance companies evaluate water damage claims. We work directly with insurance adjusters all day long, every day of the week. Starting documentation for this immediately helps streamline insurance approval and reduce stress for the homeowner. That’s why we gladly offer this service to any customer, so that we can be their insurance advocate and get them the best possible outcome.
In many cases, this makes a major difference in how smoothly the claim moves forward.
Structural Drying the Right Way
After removal and sanitization, we transitioned into structural drying.
This phase is critical. Improper drying can lead to long-term structural damage or microbial growth.
We installed:
Phoenix air movers
Commercial-grade dehumidifiers
Air scrubbers
This equipment accelerates evaporation, removes excess moisture from the air, and filters airborne particles during the drying process.
All work was performed according to IICRC industry standards to ensure the structure was fully and properly dried. In addition to having IICRC-certified teams, we also do ongoing training so that we’re always on top of our game.
Timeline and Team Effort
From start to finish, the project took approximately 12 days.
A team of seven Provision professionals were involved throughout mitigation and drying - each specialized in their field.
Because the response was fast and the process was controlled, we were able to prevent further structural impact and move the home safely toward restoration.
The Outcome: Less Stress in a Stressful Situation
Water damage is overwhelming - especially when it happens while you’re away from home.
The homeowner later shared how thankful she was that we arrived quickly and stayed present throughout the entire process. She was especially appreciative of the support we provided while navigating communication with her insurance company.
Quick action matters. Clear communication matters even more.
At Provision Property Restoration, both are priorities.
Why This Matters for Atlanta Homeowners
Freezing temperatures in the Atlanta metro area can quickly lead to attic pipe bursts and significant water damage.
If you suspect a burst pipe:
Shut off your main water supply immediately.
Call a professional water damage restoration company.
Begin mitigation as quickly as possible to limit structural damage.
Provision Property Restoration provides fast emergency water damage restoration throughout Downtown Atlanta and surrounding communities, including burst pipe cleanup, attic water mitigation, structural drying, and insurance claim assistance.
When unexpected damage happens, experience and responsiveness make all the difference. We’re here to help you.
