What to do if a pipe bursts – professional plumbers explain how to deal with a dire situation

Burst pipes are one of the worst maintenance nightmares any household can suffer, especially in winter. 

Although it is far better to take steps to prevent frozen pipes to protect them from bursting in the first place, if one does rupture in your home or yard, you must act quickly and calmly to prevent further damage to your property.

We consulted professional plumbers to learn the right approach to dealing with burst pipes so the clean-up is swift and efficient. 

What to do if a pipe bursts

A burst pipe is a dilemma no matter if it is your outdoor faucet or your indoor sinks.

‘Pipes can burst due to various reasons, often involving high pressure or environmental factors,’ begins Matt Kunz, president of Mr. Rooter Plumbing, a Neighborly Company. ‘Freezing temperatures are a primary cause, particularly in cold climates, where water inside the pipes can freeze, expand, and exert pressure on the pipe walls, causing them to burst. Corrosion over time can weaken pipes, making them susceptible to bursting under regular water pressure. 

'Physical damage, such as excessive water pressure from blockages or tree roots infiltrating underground pipes, can also cause them to rupture. Sometimes, a sudden jolt or impact from construction, accidental damage, or structural shifts can lead to pipe fractures or breaks. 

‘Routine maintenance, appropriate insulation, and avoiding extreme pressure changes within the pipes can help prevent these issues.’

If you want to avoid having to dry waterlogged items, you need to follow these steps immediately upon spotting a leak, experts say.  

1. Turn off the mains water supply

No matter if your pipe is simply dripping or fully gushing water, you should always start by turning off the mains water supply to prevent water damage and other plumbing disasters, says Mark Snell, CEO at Polestar Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. 

‘The first and most crucial step is to shut off the main water supply to your home. Locate the main water valve, usually found near the water meter or where the water line enters your house. Turn it clockwise to close it completely. This will stop the flow of water and prevent further damage.’

‘Avoid forcing the valve, as this can cause it to break, leading to even more significant issues,’ he warns. 

Mark Snell

Since the age of 12, Mark Snell, owner and founder of Polestar Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning has been in the field working on plumbing and HVAC jobs. He is a third-generation plumber/HVAC technician who learned a lot from both his father and grandfather.

2. Drain your faucets

Just because you have isolated the water supply doesn't mean that water will stop in your pipes immediately. A lot of it will remain hanging around in your pipes, putting pressure on the burst. 

Matt Kunz, a plumbing expert, suggests draining the faucets as soon as you can after turning off the supply to relieve any remaining pressure. This will stop the damaged pipe from getting any worse, or bursting in another spot, he says. 

To avoid bursting pipes, you might also want to drip faucets through winter, especially in freezing climates, to avoid damage in the first place.  

3. Identify the location of the burst

This is one of the more tricky steps when it comes to remedying a burst pipe. Unless there is obvious water pooling or watermarks in your home, it can be hard to know where the loss of pressure or sound of running water is coming from.

‘It's often where you notice water leaking, and it may be accompanied by a hissing or rushing sound,’ says Mark Snell, plumbing expert. ‘If you can, isolate the damaged section of the pipe by closing the nearest valves, such as shut-off valves for specific fixtures or appliances.

‘Be cautious when identifying the burst pipe and watch out for potential hazards like electrical wires,’ he adds.

Once you have located the fault and assessed the level of damage (be it a small crack or a full rupture) it is time to call a professional for repairs. 

Rescue Tape | View at Amazon
This black waterproof rescue tape is perfect to have on hand in case you encounter a burst pipe. If the leak is small, using this to stop water damage as you plan out proper repairs is ideal. 

View Deal

4. Commit to clean up

Once the burst is repaired and other electrical or structural damage is ruled out by a professional, you can commit to cleaning the area up, painting over watermarks, and repairing ceiling water damage as needed, says Mark Morris, master plumber at Deluxe Plumbers:

‘The final thing you should do is to restore the affected area and clean up any water damage. You should dry the area thoroughly with towels, fans, or dehumidifiers. You should also disinfect the area with bleach or vinegar to prevent mold and bacteria growth. You should also repair any damage to the walls, ceilings, or floors, such as patching, painting, or replacing.’

Much like preventing mold after a flood, it is important to act fast when it comes to this step to keep your home safe to live in.  

Mark Morris

Mark is an independent master plumber and HVAC technician, currently with Deluxe Plumbers

FAQs

As a homeowner, it helps to familiarize yourself with the location of water shut-offs, says Bill Bruininga, owner of Billy’s Plumbing and Rooter. ‘It is best to know where all of your water isolation valves are located. You have one at the street, one at the house, and two at each faucet location. Testing the use of each regularly helps when it comes to a pipe burst,’ he says. 

‘Generally speaking, all houses should have these items. At the house, you should have two shut-offs. One for irrigation and one for housing domestic water. Knowing where these are can be essential in the event of an emergency,' he adds.