Busted Pipes
What to Do When a Pipe Bursts: 10 Steps to Take
By Kim PorterJANUARY 7, 2021
A burst pipe is every homeowner's nightmare. If you know what to do and act fast to deal with a broken water pipe, you may lessen the damage.
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A burst pipe is probably the last thing you want to deal with, but you might be especially vulnerable once the temperature drops, especially if you live in an older home or your plumbing is damaged. No matter how it happens, a broken water pipe is almost always a big mess to clean up and can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars to fix. But knowing what to do when a pipe bursts may help you act fast to try and reduce the damage to your home.
10 things to do when a pipe bursts
1. Shut off the water
When a pipe bursts, go to your home’s main water valve and shut it off immediately. Turn the valve clockwise by hand or use a meter key.
It helps to find your water valve now, before you need to know where it is. Search these spots:
The basement, near the front of the foundation wall within three to five feet of the main water entrance
In a crawl space
In a mechanical room
Around the water heater or furnace
Under the kitchen sink
Near the curb or sidewalk (look for a metal plate)
2. Disconnect your electrical panel
Turn off the electrical system before you start cleaning up the water. Electrical panels are usually located in the basement, garage, closet, laundry room or outside. If water is blocking your path to the breaker box, call an electrician.
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3. Turn on a sink faucet
This will drain the remaining water from the system and relieve pressure, which prevents further damage.
4. Call a plumber
While you might have some experience with DIY home repair, “there are some [repairs for] which we will always recommend bringing in a pro, and a burst pipe is one of them,” said Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angie’s List.
It’s a good idea to find a plumber now, before you need to call them for emergency service. Ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations, and once you have a list of three or four, do your own research. Take a look at the plumber’s website, third-party reviews and the Better Business Bureau, and ask about the company’s licensing and insurance.
5. Create a temporary fix
If you have to wait a few days for a plumber to arrive, a temporary patch may help keep the pipe secure. There are a few different ways to try and reinforce the pipe, but you’ll need materials on hand.
6. Clean up the water
Toxic mold can be even worse to deal with than property damage, so clean up standing water to try and prevent mold from forming in the walls, ceiling and floors.
You can start the cleanup process yourself by renting industrial-size blowers and dehumidifiers. But if there’s a lot of water, Consumer Reports recommends contacting a water removal company that’s certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).
7. Open cabinet and pantry doors
If pipes burst due to cold or freezing, and the exposed pipes are inside closets, cabinets or pantries, leave the doors open to let warmer air circulate around the pipes.
8. Heat up the pipes
Either use a hairdryer or set up space heaters to blow heat into cold areas, prioritizing the most vulnerable pipes in the basement, crawl space or outside. This helps the pipes thaw and allows water to flow through instead of freezing.
9. Call your insurance company
Standard homeowners insurance policies may cover damage resulting from sudden pipe bursts inside the home. “But the water damage must be the result of a sudden break or leak,” said Hicks. Damage that happens over time, like from a leaky pipe, is considered negligence—and your insurer will likely deny coverage.
Review your homeowners insurance policy to see if it covers water damage to your home, or call your insurance company to try and find out. If the water pipe burst is outside your home, it might be your utility company’s responsibility to make repairs and foot the bill.
10. Document everything
It’s always a good idea to document the broken pipe, water damage and anything that needs repairs as a result of the burst pipe. Take photos and keep notes of conversations with your insurer and plumber.
Should I contact my insurance company?
If your homeowners insurance policy covers sudden pipe bursts, then it could be a good way to cover the costs of cleaning up the water, drying out your home and preventing mold growth. But weigh this decision carefully. Filing a claim may cause your rates to increase by 7% – 10%, according to Policy Genius, and you’ll likely need to pay a deductible before coverage kicks in. Consider getting insurance involved only if the costs of water damage are more than you can handle.
Preventing a burst pipe
Burst pipes can happen for several reasons, but the most common cause is a drop in temperature. When water freezes, it quickly expands and pressure builds, eventually causing the pipe to burst or leak. “The pipes located in attics, crawl spaces and outside walls are especially vulnerable to this,” Hicks said.
But you can try to prevent burst pipes by:
Insulating your pipes: “Enveloping them in foam will help keep a pipe stay above freezing temperatures and prevent them bursting open and causing damage,” Hicks said. You can find foam insulation pieces at hardware stores for around $3.
Repairing or replacing old or weak pipes: A plumber can help you decide if it’s time for an overhaul.
Locating your main water shutoff valve: Know where it is and stick a label on it, so you can find it quickly in an emergency.
Keeping an eye out for water leaks: These can lead to bigger problems, so be on the lookout for leaking faucets, damp cabinets, rocking toilets or dripping refrigerators. Make repairs as needed.
Letting faucets trickle through cold nights: This can help keep your pipes from freezing.
Every second counts when a pipe breaks and water starts gushing into your home, but knowing what to do beforehand may help you act fast to try and avoid costly repairs.
Disclaimer: The above is solely intended for informational purposes and in no way constitutes legal advice or specific recommendations.