How to Handle a Burst Pipe in Your Home: Immediate Steps to Take

Imagine waking up to the sound of rushing water. The taps are off, but water is pooling on your floor, and you cannot identify the source. Chances are that one of your pipes burst—and in moments like this, every second counts. Here's what to do next.

What to Do if a Pipe Bursts: Immediate Steps

Shut Off the Water Supply

Every home should have a main water shutoff valve in the basement or outside, directly where the main line enters your property. Look for a handle with a red or blue tab and turn it clockwise until it is tight. Unless you have a gate valve, you should be able to turn off the water main by hand.

If you do not have a main valve, locate the street-level water meter box and use a wrench to turn the emergency shutoff.

If the meter box requires a special key, you have one final safety net: Go to your hot water heater, find the cold water line entering your tank, and turn it clockwise. While existing tank water can still leak through the burst pipe, turning off the cold water inlet valve will stop new water from entering the tank.

Drain the Pipes

To relieve pressure and minimize damage from the burst pipe, open all cold water faucets to drain the remaining water. Keep the faucets open until the water stops flowing. Next, flush the toilets once.

Assess the Damage

Now that you’ve stopped the water flow and released tap pressure, it’s time to assess the damage. We recommend taking photos and videos and documenting damaged personal items, appliances, and building materials like drywall and flooring. This information is critical for building a robust insurance claim your provider will take seriously.

Fixing a Burst Pipe: Temporary Solutions & Remediation

While minor leaks can often be slowed with pipe repair tape or clamps, a burst pipe generally requires immediate professional repair. These quick fixes rarely withstand high water pressure, and relying on them may cause more extensive damage down the road.

Instead, we recommend calling Stephens Plumbing for burst pipe repair services. Our emergency team is available 24/7, specifically for situations like this.

After scheduling service with us, take the following steps to stay safe and minimize damage:

• Turn off electricity in the affected area: If you can safely access the electrical box without wading through water, shut off power at the breaker box to any rooms with water damage. If you can’t, stay out of the area and wait for our team to arrive.
• Remove standing water: Standing water doesn’t just damage flooring and drywall. It can also cause mold growth within as few as 24 hours. If possible, remove standing water with mops, towels, and a wet vacuum.
• Dry and dehumidify the area: Once visible water is removed, use fans to dry and a dehumidifier to eliminate moisture and prevent mold growth.

While these steps will help mitigate the effects of minor water damage, severe cases may require professional intervention. Luckily, in addition to burst pipe repair services, we also specialize in water damage restoration.

How to Prevent Pipes From Bursting

While many pipe bursts are caused by freezing weather, this is uncommon in Southern California. More often, it is caused by corrosion, age-related deterioration, tree root intrusion, or excessive water pressure.

To prevent pipes from bursting:

• Monitor water pressure: Excessive water pressure can strain pipes and eventually cause them to burst. If your water pressure seems excessive, talk to our plumbing pros about installing a pressure gauge and regulator.
• Schedule regular inspections: Many people put off regular inspections and maintenance, either because they think it’s unnecessary or costly. The truth is that regular maintenance can save you thousands in unnecessary repairs.
• Address hard water: Mineral deposits from hard water can also corrode pipes and cause bursts. If you notice calcium buildup on your fixtures, talk to our plumbers about installing a water-softening system to prevent premature pipe damage.
• Monitor tree growth: Roots need water—and they may damage your pipes to access it. While we do not necessarily recommend cutting down established trees, we do urge homeowners to monitor root growth or explore root barrier installation services with a licensed tree care specialist.

We Take the Pressure Off Your Plumbing Problems

When water damage strikes, Stephens Plumbing strikes back. With nearly 40 years of experience, we handle any plumbing issue quickly and efficiently. From burst pipes and regular maintenance to heating, cooling, and air quality solutions, our team is here to help. Contact us now!