Burst pipe emergency

Symptoms

• Water spraying, gushing, or flooding suddenly
• Loud bang followed by rushing water sound
• Water pooling rapidly on floors
• Ceiling bulging or dripping heavily

Likely causes

• CommonFrozen pipe that thawed and splitIce expansion cracks the pipe, and the break becomes obvious once the ice melts and pressure returns.
• CommonOld, corroded pipe failing under normal pressureAge-weakened pipe walls can rupture without warning, especially in homes with galvanized or old copper piping.
• PossiblePhysical damage from renovation or nail/screw punctureA pipe hit during wall or floor work can fail immediately or weaken and burst later.
• PossibleExcessive water pressure stressing a weak pointUnusually high house pressure can push an already-weak pipe past its limit.

What to do

1. Shut off the main water valve to the house immediately; know its location before an emergency happens if possible.
2. If the burst is on a single fixture line, shutting off that fixture's local valve may be enough instead of the whole house.
3. Turn off electricity to the affected area at the breaker if water is near outlets, switches, or fixtures.
4. Open the lowest faucet in the house to help drain remaining water from the pipes and relieve pressure.
5. Move furniture, electronics, and valuables away from the water as quickly as possible.
6. Use towels, a wet vac, or buckets to remove standing water and reduce damage to floors and drywall.
7. Call a licensed plumber right away for the repair, and consider contacting your insurance company about the damage.

Tools and parts

• Wet vacuum or mop
• Towels/buckets

When to call a pro

Call a licensed plumber immediately; this is not a wait-and-see situation, and a temporary clamp only buys time until a professional repair.

Safety