A burst pipe is one of the most destructive and common causes of household water damage, especially during cold snaps. A broken supply line can release a large volume of water in a short time, so every minute counts. Here is exactly what to do.
What to Do Immediately When a Pipe Bursts
- Shut off the main water valve. Know where it is before an emergency. It is typically where the main line enters the house: in a basement, crawl space, utility room, garage or near the water heater. Turn it clockwise until it stops.
- Turn off electricity to affected areas if water is near outlets, appliances or the panel, and only if you can do so from a dry location.
- Open faucets to drain remaining water from the lines and relieve pressure.
- Turn off the water heater to prevent damage to the unit once the water supply is off.
- Remove standing water you can safely reach with towels, mops or a wet/dry vacuum.
- Document the damage with photos and video for your insurance claim.
- Call a plumber to repair the pipe and a water damage restoration company to dry the structure.
Why Professional Drying Matters After a Burst Pipe
Pipes often burst inside walls, ceilings and crawl spaces, so water soaks into places you cannot see. Even when the floor looks dry, drywall, insulation and subfloors can stay wet for days, creating ideal conditions for mold within 24 to 48 hours. Professionals use moisture meters, thermal imaging and commercial drying equipment to dry everything to standard. See how fast mold grows after water damage.
Signs Your Pipes Are Frozen
- Little or no water comes out of a faucet in freezing weather
- Frost on exposed pipes
- Strange odors from drains
- Bulging or cracked pipes
How to Thaw a Frozen Pipe Safely
- Keep the faucet open so melting water can flow and relieve pressure.
- Apply gentle heat with a hair dryer, heating pad, space heater kept at a safe distance, or warm towels.
- Start thawing closest to the faucet and work toward the frozen section.
- Never use an open flame, such as a propane torch, which can damage the pipe and cause a fire.
- If you cannot find or reach the frozen section, call a licensed plumber.
How to Prevent Frozen and Burst Pipes
- Keep the thermostat at a consistent temperature day and night, and no lower than about 55°F when you are away.
- Let faucets on exterior walls drip during hard freezes.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors so warm air reaches pipes.
- Insulate pipes in crawl spaces, attics, garages and exterior walls with foam sleeves or heat tape.
- Disconnect garden hoses and shut off and drain exterior spigots before winter.
- Seal gaps and cracks around pipes where cold air gets in.
- If you travel, consider shutting off the main water valve and draining lines.
Will Insurance Cover a Burst Pipe?
Damage from a sudden burst pipe is often covered by homeowners insurance, provided you took reasonable steps to keep the home heated. The repair of the pipe itself may not be covered. Learn more: does homeowners insurance cover water damage?
Burst Pipe FAQ
How do I know if a pipe burst inside a wall?
Look for sudden water stains, bulging drywall, the sound of running water, a drop in water pressure, or a fast-moving water meter.
Is burst pipe water safe?
Water from a clean supply line starts as Category 1, but it can become contaminated as it sits and soaks building materials. Learn about water damage categories and classes.
How long does it take to dry out after a burst pipe?
Most residential burst pipe losses take three to five days of professional drying, depending on how much water was released and which materials were affected.
Need Help Now? Longview Restoration Is Available 24/7
Longview Restoration is a locally owned, IICRC-certified water, fire, mold and storm damage restoration company. Our technicians respond day or night, document everything for your insurance claim, and restore your property to preliminary condition.
- Call 24/7: (615) 903-0053
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- Learn more: Water damage restoration · Mold remediation