Emergency plumbing
Burst pipe repair
Short answer
When a pipe bursts, shut off the main water valve first, then turn off electricity to any wet area and open faucets to drain the lines. A plumber then replaces the split section and checks the rest of the line, because freezing or corrosion that burst one spot often weakened others.
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
Burst Pipe Repair at a glance
- First action
- Close the main shutoff valve. Know where it is before you need it.
- Most common causes
- Freezing, corrosion, high water pressure, and physical damage.
- Repair
- The damaged section is cut out and replaced; the plumber checks nearby pipe and the system pressure.
- After
- Dry the area within 24–48 hours to limit mold; photograph damage for insurance.
What to do in the first ten minutes
Shut off the main water valve
Usually where the water line enters the house (basement, crawl space, garage, utility closet), or at the meter. Turn a round handle clockwise; turn a lever a quarter turn so it sits across the pipe.
Make the area safe
If water is near outlets, appliances or the electrical panel, switch off power to that area at the breaker panel, but only if you can reach the panel without standing in water.
Drain the lines
Open the lowest cold faucet and flush toilets to empty remaining water. If the burst pipe is hot water, turn off the water heater's fuel or power.
Call a plumber
Then start moving belongings and removing standing water. Photograph everything for insurance.
Why pipes burst
- Freezing: ice forms and pushes water toward a closed faucet, raising pressure between the ice and the faucet until the pipe splits. The split is often not where the ice is.
- Corrosion: older galvanized steel and some copper thin out and develop pinholes that can open up.
- High water pressure: street pressure that isn't regulated strains pipes, fittings and appliance hoses.
- Failed connectors: rubber washing machine hoses and old braided supply lines are frequent culprits.
How a burst pipe is repaired
The plumber exposes the damaged section, cuts it out and replaces it with new pipe of a compatible material, joined with soldered, crimped, press or push-fit fittings. They then pressurize the system, check for other leaks, and, after a freeze, look for additional splits along the exposed run.
If a pipe froze because of where it runs, like an exterior wall, an unheated crawl space or an attic, ask about rerouting or insulating it so it doesn't happen again. When pipes are failing from age in several places, a leak detection survey or repiping may be the more economical long-term fix.
Problems that lead to burst pipe repair
Common questions
How do I know if a frozen pipe has burst?
Often you don't until it thaws. If a faucet gives no water in freezing weather, assume the line may be frozen, keep the faucet open, warm the area gently (never with an open flame), and watch for water as it thaws.
Will insurance cover a burst pipe?
Sudden and accidental water damage is commonly covered, while damage from long-term leaks or neglect often isn't. Some policies require that heat was maintained in a vacant home. Check your policy.