Burst Pipe Water Damage

When a pipe bursts, shut off the main water valve first, then the power to wet areas, and call a plumber to repair the pipe and a restoration company to remove the water and dry the structure. A burst supply line can release hundreds of gallons an hour, so finding your main shutoff before you need it is the best thing you can do.

Where is the main shutoff?

Usually where the water line enters the house: in the basement, a crawl space, a utility room, the garage or near the water heater. In warm climates it may be outside or in a box near the street at the meter. Many homes also have shutoffs under each sink and behind each toilet.

What to do after a pipe bursts

1. Shut off the main water valve.
2. Turn off electricity to the affected area if water is near outlets or fixtures.
3. Open faucets to drain the remaining water out of the lines.
4. Call a plumber to fix the pipe.
5. Get standing water out fast: see emergency water removal.
6. Photograph the damage and the broken pipe, and call your insurer.

Why pipes burst

• Freezing. Water expands as it freezes and the pressure splits the pipe, often between the ice and a closed faucet. The leak shows up when it thaws.
• High water pressure above what the plumbing is rated for.
• Corrosion in older galvanized or copper pipes.
• Failed fittings on washer hoses, toilet supply lines and water heater connections.

Preventing frozen pipes

• Insulate pipes in crawl spaces, attics, garages and exterior walls.
• On very cold nights, let faucets on exterior walls drip and open cabinet doors under sinks.
• Disconnect garden hoses and shut off outdoor spigots before winter.
• Keep the heat on, at least in the 50s, when you're away.

Mistakes to avoid

• Thawing a frozen pipe with an open flame. Use a hair dryer or heat tape.
• Assuming the water only went where you can see it. It runs along joists and soaks into walls and subfloors.
• Waiting for the plumber before removing water. Start extraction and drying while the repair is scheduled.

Insurance

Sudden pipe bursts are one of the most commonly covered water losses under homeowners policies. Damage from a leak that was ignored for a long time usually isn't. Save the broken section of pipe if the plumber removes it.

How to get help now

Use the Get help now button on this page and tell us what happened, where, and how much water is involved. We pass your request to an independent restoration company that serves your area so they can call you back and arrange a visit. Flood Rescue Pros is a free referral service: we don't do the work ourselves, and the company you're matched with sets its own prices, schedule and terms. Ask any company for its licensing, insurance and IICRC certification before you sign anything.