What to Do If a Pipe Bursts

Shut Off the Water and Stay Safe

If a pipe bursts in your home, shut off the main water supply if you can safely do so; open a few fixtures to relieve any remaining pressure and drain the system; stay away from electrical hazards; and call a plumber. Acting quickly can help stop additional water from entering the home and limit further damage while you wait for professional repairs.

Grand Oaks Plumbing & Drain provides emergency plumbing service for urgent plumbing problems in Spring, TX. Once the immediate water flow is controlled, the damaged pipe can be evaluated to determine what repair is needed.

What Should You Do When a Pipe Bursts?

A burst water pipe can release water quickly, so focus first on controlling the situation rather than trying to repair the damaged pipe yourself.

Take these steps:

1. Shut off the main water supply. Locate the home's main shutoff valve and turn off the water if it is safe and accessible.
2. Relieve remaining pressure. Open a few faucets after shutting off the main supply to help drain the system. This can slow or stop water escaping from the damaged pipe and help limit additional water damage.
3. Stay clear of electrical hazards. Do not enter standing water or touch outlets, appliances, wiring, or electrical equipment that may have been exposed to water.
4. Call a plumber. A licensed plumber can locate the damaged section and determine the appropriate repair.
5. Limit water damage when safe. Move belongings away from unaffected areas and collect or remove water only when there are no electrical or other safety hazards.
6. Document the damage. Photos or videos of the affected areas may be useful if you need to contact your insurance provider.

Your safety comes first. If flooding has created an electrical or other immediate hazard, stay away from the affected area and contact the appropriate emergency professional.

What Can Cause a Pipe to Burst?

A pipe can break when it becomes weakened or experiences conditions it cannot withstand. Possible causes include:

• Freezing temperatures: Water expands when it freezes, which can increase pressure within the plumbing system.
• Deteriorating pipes: Corrosion or aging pipe material can weaken sections of plumbing over time.
• High water pressure: Excessive pressure can place additional stress on water lines and plumbing fixtures.
• Physical damage: Construction, shifting materials, or other external forces can damage a water pipe.

Identifying why the pipe failed can help determine whether the problem is isolated or whether other pipes and water lines should also be evaluated.

What Should You Do After the Pipe Is Repaired?

Water left behind after a burst pipe can continue damaging flooring, drywall, furniture, and other materials. Once the area is safe, remove standing water and begin drying affected areas as soon as practical. If additional water mitigation is needed, Grand Oaks Plumbing & Drain can connect homeowners with a trusted restoration partner we have worked with for more than 10 years. They can assist with water mitigation and, when needed, help homeowners navigate the insurance-claim process.

Watch for damp drywall, flooring, musty odors, or other signs that moisture remains. Depending on the extent of the water damage, additional cleanup or restoration may be necessary beyond the plumbing repair.

How Can You Help Prevent Burst Pipes?

Not every broken pipe can be prevented, but routine attention to the plumbing system can help identify some problems before they become emergencies. Grand Oaks' Strong Roots Program includes an annual plumbing inspection that can help identify developing plumbing concerns before they turn into larger problems.

Homeowners can:

• Know where the main water shutoff valve is located.
• Protect exposed water pipes in areas vulnerable to freezing.
• Pay attention to visible corrosion or recurring leaks.
• Have unexplained changes in water pressure evaluated.
• Address damaged or deteriorating pipes rather than repeatedly postponing repairs.

If you discover a burst or badly damaged pipe, contact Grand Oaks Plumbing & Drain to have the plumbing problem evaluated and repaired.