Emergency Plumbing: What to Do if a Pipe Bursts

A burst pipe can cause serious damage to your home. Water can flood rooms, damage furniture, and lead to costly repairs. When a pipe bursts, you need to act fast to stop the water and limit the damage.

Pipe bursts for many reasons, including:

• freezing temperatures (since water expands in cold weather)
• corrosion
• high water pressure
• bad installation
• tree roots damaging
• clogs

Knowing what to do if a pipe bursts will help you stay calm and take the right steps. This guide will walk you through the actions to take if you face this common plumbing emergency.

1. Turn Off Your Main Water Supply Immediately

The first thing to do when a pipe bursts is to stop the water flow. Find your main water valve and turn it off right away. This will stop more water from spilling into your home. The valve is usually in the basement, near the water heater, or outside your house. If you’re unsure where it is, now is a good time to locate it for future emergencies.

2. Drain the Remaining Water

After turning off the water supply, you need to drain the pipes. Open all faucets in your home to let the water flow out. Start with cold taps and then move to hot taps. Don’t forget to flush the toilets to release any water still in the system. This will help reduce water pressure and stop further leaks.

3. Identify the Location of the Burst Pipe

Next, try to find where the pipe burst. Check common areas like under sinks, inside walls, or in the basement. Look for water stains, puddles, or damp spots on walls and ceilings.

Knowing the exact spot helps you explain the problem to a plumber. Finding the location is important when you’re figuring out what to do when pipes burst in your house.

4. Temporary Fixes to Reduce Damage

Once you find the water pipe burst, use a temporary fix to limit the damage. You can wrap the pipe with repair tape or use a pipe clamp to stop small leaks. Towels and buckets can help catch dripping water. These quick solutions won’t last long, but they can buy you some time before help arrives. These steps are useful if you have a burst pipe and need to control the situation.

5. Get Professional Help

After taking the first steps, it’s time to call a plumber if a pipe bursts. Even if the leak seems under control, you need a professional to fix it properly. A plumber will repair the damage and check for other potential issues. It’s important to do this quickly if a water pipe bursts, so you can prevent future problems and avoid costly repairs.

Plumbing Services that You Can Trust

We are a licensed plumbing contractor in Illinois and Chicago, and we only employ licensed plumbers. Our team is also certified in backflow testing, which is required every year for all irrigation, fire systems, and domestic water supplies. Reach out to us for expert help with any plumbing emergency.