Burst Pipe: Your Step-by-Step Response Guide

Water spraying everywhere? Here's exactly what to do—in order.

I'm Justin Sims, and I've responded to more burst pipe emergencies than I can count. The sight of water gushing into your home is terrifying, and in that moment, it's hard to think straight.

That's why I'm writing this now—so you can read it before disaster strikes, or reference it while you're in the middle of it. These are the exact steps I'd walk you through on the phone. Let's go.

Step 1: Shut Off the Water (Do This First)

Nothing else matters until you stop the water. Every second it flows is more damage.

If you know where your main shut-off is:

Go there now. Turn it clockwise (for wheel valves) or perpendicular to the pipe (for lever valves).

If you don't know where it is:

• Check where the water line enters your house (often in the garage)
• Look near your water heater
• Check your utility room
• Find the water meter at the street—there's usually a shut-off there

Can't find it?

Call your water utility company—they can shut it off at the street while you wait for help.

Once the water's off, take a breath. You've just prevented the biggest portion of the damage.

Step 2: Turn Off the Electricity (If Water Is Near Electrical)

This is a safety issue that too many people overlook. Water and electricity don't mix.

Shut off power at the breaker if:

• Water is near outlets, switches, or electrical panels
• Water is dripping from ceiling lights
• The burst pipe is anywhere near electrical wiring

When in doubt, kill the power to the affected area. You can always turn it back on.

Step 3: Call for Help

Now that the immediate danger is controlled, call for backup:

**Call a plumber** (that's us: 512-665-0250) to repair the pipe. We offer 24/7 emergency service for exactly these situations.

**Call your insurance company** to report the damage. The sooner you file, the smoother the claims process.

**For major flooding,** you might also need a water restoration company. They specialize in water extraction and drying.

Step 4: Document Everything

Before you start cleanup, pull out your phone and document:

• **Photos of the damage** from multiple angles
• **Video showing the water** and affected areas
• **Photos of the broken pipe** if visible
• **Photos of damaged belongings**

This documentation is critical for insurance claims. It's tempting to just start cleaning up, but spend 5 minutes documenting first. You'll thank yourself later.

Step 5: Start Water Removal

Now we minimize the damage:

Get water out:

• Use towels to soak up what you can
• A wet-dry shop vac is ideal if you have one
• Push water toward floor drains if available
• Mops and buckets for larger accumulations

Move what you can:

• Get furniture off wet carpet
• Move rugs, boxes, and valuables to dry areas
• Lift curtains and fabric off the floor

Promote air flow:

• Open windows if weather permits
• Run fans to circulate air
• Dehumidifiers are incredibly helpful
• If your AC is working, run it to dehumidify

The first 24-48 hours are critical. The faster you dry things out, the less chance of mold and permanent damage.

Step 6: Assess What's Damaged

Once the water's under control, take stock:

Flooring:

• Carpet can sometimes be saved if dried quickly
• Hardwood may be damaged and could warp
• Tile usually survives but grout may need attention

Walls:

• Drywall that's soaked often needs replacement
• Look for bulging or discoloration
• Baseboards may need to come off to dry wall cavities

Belongings:

• Sort into "salvageable" and "damaged beyond repair"
• Don't throw anything away until insurance has documented

What Causes Pipes to Burst?

Understanding why this happened helps prevent it next time:

Freezing (Most Common in Austin)

When water freezes, it expands. That expansion pressure can split copper, PVC, or PEX. Hill Country homes are especially vulnerable because many aren't insulated for extreme cold.

Corrosion

Older galvanized pipes corrode from the inside out. Eventually, they weaken and fail. If you have galvanized pipes and one bursts, more might follow.

High Water Pressure

Pressure over 80 PSI stresses your pipes constantly. This is common in newer developments and can cause failures over time.

Age

Nothing lasts forever. Older pipes, especially supply lines and connections, can simply wear out.

Tree Roots

Underground pipes can be invaded and damaged by tree roots seeking water.

Preventing Future Bursts

Once we've fixed the immediate problem, let's talk prevention:

For freeze protection:

• Insulate exposed pipes
• Know how to winterize
• Keep heat above 55°F even when away

For corrosion prevention:

• Consider repiping if you have galvanized pipes
• Annual water heater maintenance reduces sediment damage

For pressure issues:

• Install a pressure regulator if you don't have one
• Keep pressure between 40-60 PSI

For aging infrastructure:

• Get older pipes inspected
• Don't wait for failure to consider replacement

What to Expect From the Repair

When we arrive to repair your burst pipe, here's the typical process:

1. **Assess the damage** and locate all problem areas
2. **Discuss repair options** with you
3. **Complete the repair** (usually same visit)
4. **Test the system** before turning water back on
5. **Check for other vulnerable spots**

Most burst pipe repairs take a few hours. If the pipe is in a wall or slab, it may be more involved. We'll be upfront about what's needed and what it costs before we start.