Burst Pipe Emergency: The First Ten Minutes
Close the main water valve first. It is usually near the meter or where the line enters the house. Then open a faucet at the lowest point in the home to drain what is left in the pipes.
Turn off power to any wet area at the breaker only if you can reach the panel without stepping in water. Move valuables out of the way, take photos of the damage, and call our 24/7 emergency line.
Why Pipes Burst
Freezing is the cause most people expect, but it is not the only one. Corroded pipe can split under normal pressure. A failed joint, a damaged supply line, or a pipe that has been rubbing against a framing member can also fail without warning.
In Woodstock, a brief cold snap can be enough to freeze exposed lines in an attic, a garage, or a crawlspace. Our guide on why cold snaps hurt Georgia homes explains why.
Finding The Break
Water that shows up on a ceiling or wall is rarely where the pipe has failed. We follow the water back to the source, and we use listening equipment or a camera when the pipe is hidden. We open as little drywall as possible.
If the leak is in a slab or underground, we say so and move to the right method. Our slab leak detection and leak detection pages cover those cases.
How We Repair A Burst Pipe
For a clean split in a sound pipe, we cut out the damaged section and install a new piece with proper fittings. For copper, PEX, or CPVC, we use the connection method that fits the material and the space.
If the pipe is corroded in several places, we tell you plainly. Patching a line that is failing everywhere means calling us again next month. In that case, whole-home repiping may be worth pricing.
After The Water Stops
Stopping the water is only the first step. Wet drywall, insulation, and flooring need to dry quickly or they can grow mold. Our water damage restoration page explains how drying works and what gets documented.
Take photos of the damage and keep receipts for emergency repairs. Your insurer may ask for them. We give you a written description of what failed and what we repaired.
Burst Pipe Calls Across Our Area
We respond to burst pipes in Woodstock, Towne Lake, Hickory Flat, Sixes, Holly Springs, Canton, Acworth and Kennesaw. Our dispatch line is open every hour of every day, including holidays.
If a water heater line is the problem, see water heater repair. If a fixture supply line failed, faucet and sink repair covers that repair. We work to the manufacturer's installation guidelines and to the plumbing standards that apply at your address.
Keeping The Next Pipe From Bursting
Know where your main water valve is and make sure it turns. In a burst, the minutes spent looking for it are the minutes the water keeps running.
Before a hard freeze, insulate pipes in the attic, garage, and crawlspace, and let a faucet on an exterior wall drip. Open the cabinet doors under sinks on cold nights so warm air reaches the lines. Fix slow leaks early, since a weeping joint is often the first sign of a pipe that is about to fail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first when a pipe bursts?
Shut off the main water valve, open a low faucet to drain the lines, and call a plumber. If the water is near outlets, keep out of the area unless the power is off.
Can you repair a frozen pipe before it bursts?
Often yes. If a pipe is frozen but has not split, we can thaw it safely and check it for damage. Do not use an open flame on a frozen pipe.
Do I need to replace all my pipes after one bursts?
Not usually. A single failure in a sound pipe is a spot repair. If the pipe is corroded in several places, we explain why replacing more of it makes sense.
Will you help with water damage after a burst pipe?
We stop the water and repair the pipe. If drying and cleanup are needed, we explain the steps and can point you to our water damage restoration service.