Pipe Burst Emergency: How To Handle Water Pipe Bursts in Your Home

Take the following steps if a water pipe bursts in your home:

1. Shut Off the Water: Locate and turn off the main shutoff valve immediately to prevent further water flow.
2. Remove the Water: Clean up the spilled water as quickly as possible using a shop vac, mop, or towels to prevent water damage.
3. Circulate Air: Turn on fans and open doors to air out the affected area and help it dry faster, reducing the risk of mold.
4. Drain the Water Heater (if related): If the burst pipe is connected to your water heater, drain it to prevent further flooding.
5. Assess the Damage: Once the immediate crisis is under control, assess the extent of water damage to your property.
6. Contact Professionals: Call your local trusted plumbers for an expert assessment and repair of the burst pipe.
7. Consult Your Insurance: Depending on the level of damage, contact your insurance company to understand if filing a claim is beneficial.

If you’re facing an pipe burst emergency in the Tucson area, give our Done Rite Services emergency plumbers a call immediately.

No homeowner ever wants to face the chaos of a pipe burst. It’s an unexpected and alarming situation that can lead to significant water damage if not addressed promptly. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to do when a pipe bursts, outline how to mitigate damage swiftly and explain how to prevent burst pipes from becoming a recurring nightmare.

You can also check out our Podcast Episode of Ask the Trade Pros, where professional plumbers Jordan and Todd break down what to do in a pipe-burst scenario.

You can listen to the Podcast episode below:

Whether it’s a minor leak or a major rupture, being prepared can help preserve the sanctity of your home and prevent the water damage from burst pipes burst from escalating into a larger problem.

Why Do Pipes Burst? Understanding the Causes

Unexpected and often unnoticed until it’s too late, a burst pipe can cause considerable distress and damage to your home.

Here are some reasons pipes may burst in your home:

Freezing Temperatures: 

‘Pipe burst’ is a term often heard after a cold snap. Water has a unique property of expanding as it freezes.

This expansion puts enormous pressure on whatever contains it, including metal and plastic pipes.

When the temperature drops significantly, the risk of pipes freezing and bursting skyrockets, especially if they are poorly insulated or located in vulnerable areas of your home.

Corrosion Over Time: 

Pipes don’t last forever. Older pipes, particularly those made of steel, can corrode over time.

This corrosion weakens the pipes and eventually can lead to a burst. Regular inspection of pipes for any signs of corrosion can help you avert a potential disaster.

High Water Pressure: 

Pipes are designed to handle a certain level of pressure.

When your home’s water pressure exceeds this limit, it can stress the pipes, leading to failure.

Installing a pressure regulator can help maintain a safe and consistent water pressure, protecting your plumbing over the long term.

Physical Damage: 

Sometimes the cause is as simple as physical damage.

During renovations or even routine maintenance, a pipe might get inadvertently hit or damaged.

Even a small nick can weaken a pipe and lead to a burst later on.

Understanding the ‘why’ behind pipe bursts is your first line of defense in preventing them.

Armed with this knowledge, you can take proactive steps to protect your home, like insulating pipes, monitoring for corrosion, and keeping an eye on water pressure, all of which are essential in the fight against burst pipes.

Immediate Action: What to Do If a Pipe Bursts

When a pipe bursts in your home, the clock starts ticking. Water damage can occur rapidly, so it’s important to act fast and effectively.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to manage the situation, based on tried-and-true practices:

1. Shut Off the Main Water Valve: This is your emergency brake. Halting the water flow is essential to prevent more water from flooding your home. The main valve is typically found at the water meter or where the main line enters the house.
2. Drain the Faucets: Once the main valve is off, open all faucets to drain the remaining water in the pipes. This helps to reduce the pressure in the system and minimize leaking from the burst section.
3. Switch Off the Electricity: If the burst pipe is near any electrical appliances or outlets, cut the power to the affected area at the breaker box to avoid electrical hazards.
4. Start the Cleanup: Time is of the essence to prevent mold and structural damage. Begin mopping up the water, using a wet-dry vacuum if available, and move any wet items to a dry area.
5. Increase Ventilation: Open windows and use fans or dehumidifiers to dry out the affected areas. Proper airflow is critical for drying and preventing mold growth.
6. Document the Damage: Before making any repairs, take pictures or video of the damage. This is crucial for insurance claims and record-keeping.
7. Consult a Professional: Dealing with a burst pipe often requires professional expertise. A licensed plumber can repair the damage and identify any underlying issues that may have caused the pipe to burst.
8. Inspect and Prevent: After repairs, inspect your plumbing for any other vulnerabilities and take preventive measures to avoid future bursts, such as insulating pipes and monitoring for unusual changes in water pressure.

By following these steps, you can handle a pipe burst with confidence to minimize the damage.

It’s about quick, calm action — the key to turning a potential disaster into a manageable inconvenience.

Preventive Measures: How to Prevent Pipes from Bursting

While a quick response to a burst pipe is crucial, prevention is always better than a cure. 

Homeowners can take several steps to reduce the likelihood of a plumbing catastrophe. Here’s a rundown of effective strategies to help you prevent the inconvenience and expense of burst pipes.

1. Insulate Pipes: Pipes exposed to colder temperatures are more likely to freeze and burst. Insulating your pipes, especially those in unheated areas like basements, attics, and garages, can help maintain a safe temperature and prevent freezing.
2. Regulate Water Pressure: Pipes can only handle so much pressure before they give way. Use a pressure gauge to regularly check the pressure in your home’s plumbing system. If it’s consistently high, a pressure-reducing valve may be necessary to prevent pipes from bursting.
3. Schedule Regular Maintenance: Regular inspections by a professional plumber can catch small problems before they turn into big ones. This includes looking for signs of corrosion, wear and tear, and small leaks that could indicate a potential burst. Moreover, identifying and resolving water leaks early can avoid more significant issues later.
4. Soften Hard Water: Hard water can lead to mineral buildup inside pipes, which can cause corrosion and eventually lead to leaks or bursts. Installing a water softener can help reduce the mineral content in your water and prolong the life of your pipes.
5. Replace Aging Pipes: Old pipes are more prone to burst. If you have an older home, consider repiping your home for better pressure and durability, opting for materials like PVC or PEX that are less susceptible to corrosion and bursts.
6. Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners: These can erode your pipes over time, leading to weakness and bursts. Instead, use a plunger or a plumber’s snake to clear out clogs, or better yet, call a professional to handle persistent blockages.
7. Keep the House Warm: During cold snaps, keep your thermostat set to a consistent temperature day and night to prevent the interior of walls where pipes run from getting too cold.

By following these steps, you can significantly diminish the risk of pipes burst in your home. Preventative maintenance not only saves on costly repairs but also provides peace of mind knowing that your home is safeguarded against such emergencies.

Dealing with the Aftermath: What Happens When a Pipe Bursts

Once the immediate threat of a burst pipe has been mitigated, the next phase is handling the aftermath. The consequences of a pipe burst can be far-reaching, affecting the integrity of your home’s structure and the health of its inhabitants. Here’s what typically unfolds after a pipe bursts and the crucial steps to recovery:

1. Water Damage Assessment: The first thing that happens is a thorough assessment of the water damage. Water can seep into the subfloors, behind walls, and into other critical areas of the home. It’s essential to identify all affected areas to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.
2. Mold and Mildew Prevention: With water damage comes the risk of mold and mildew growth. It’s imperative to dry out the affected areas quickly and thoroughly. Professional restoration services may be needed to dehumidify and disinfect the home, ensuring it’s free from mold spores that can cause health issues.
3. Insurance Claims: Filing an insurance claim is often the next step. Utilize the documentation of the damage you collected to submit a comprehensive claim. Your insurance company may send an adjuster to evaluate the damage and determine the coverage for repairs.
4. Professional Plumbing Repair: After a burst, pipes will need to be repaired or replaced by a licensed plumber. They will also inspect for any potential weaknesses in your plumbing system to prevent future incidents.
5. Restoration and Renovation: Depending on the extent of the damage, some areas of your home may need to be restored or renovated. This might include replacing drywall, flooring, and other materials that have been compromised by water.
6. Review and Upgrade Plumbing: In the wake of a burst pipe, it’s wise to review your entire plumbing system. Older systems might benefit from upgrades to modern materials that are more durable and less prone to burst.
7. Future Prevention Planning: Finally, take this incident as a learning experience. Implement any additional preventive measures you might have overlooked, like more extensive insulation or a whole-house water pressure audit.

A burst pipe can lead to a cascade of issues, but with a methodical approach to handling the aftermath, you can restore your home to its pre-disaster state. 

Understanding the sequence of steps to take after a pipe bursts, from initial cleanup to final restoration, is crucial in getting back to normal as smoothly and swiftly as possible.

Expert Advice: Seeking Professional Help for Burst Pipes

A burst pipe is a complex emergency that can benefit greatly from professional expertise.

While initial actions can be taken by homeowners, the repair process often requires a deeper understanding of plumbing systems.

Here’s why calling in the experts is a smart move and what they can do for you:

1. Professional Assessment: A trained plumber can quickly assess the extent of the damage. They have the experience to determine if a burst pipe is a symptom of a larger issue, such as systemic corrosion or an over-pressurized system.
2. Quality Repairs: Professionals will not only fix the immediate problem but will also ensure that the repairs last. They can replace the burst section with high-quality materials and workmanship, reducing the likelihood of future bursts.
3. Advanced Equipment: Plumbers come equipped with specialized tools to handle complex repairs, which can be inaccessible or unaffordable for the average homeowner.
4. Code Compliance: Plumbing repairs often have to meet local building codes. Professional plumbers are up-to-date on these regulations, ensuring that any work done is compliant, which is essential for insurance claims and property value.
5. Long-term Solutions: Beyond the repair, plumbers can offer advice on how to prevent future issues. This may include recommendations for pipe insulation, pressure management, or even system upgrades.
6. Guaranteed Work: Most professional plumbing services offer some form of warranty on their work. This guarantee provides homeowners with peace of mind, knowing that if there are any further problems, the plumbers will address them.
7. Help with Insurance: Professionals can provide detailed reports and evidence of the damage and repairs, which can be invaluable when dealing with insurance claims.

When a pipe bursts, the expertise of a professional plumber is invaluable.

They can ensure that the problem is thoroughly addressed, from the initial emergency response to the final touches that will prevent a recurrence.

Relying on professional help can save time, money, and prevent additional stress in the long run.

Conclusion: Keeping Your Home Safe from Water Damage

In conclusion, the ordeal of dealing with a burst pipe can be daunting, but with the right knowledge and preparation, it can be managed effectively.

If a pipe has burst in your Tucson home, be sure to contact our professional plumbers at Done Rite Services to handle the job.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pipe Burst