What To Do When Pipes Burst In Winter

Winter is a wonderful time for hot drinks and cozy blankets, but it can also spell disaster for your plumbing if you’re not careful. When temperatures drop, pipes are at risk of freezing, expanding, and ultimately bursting, causing potential flooding and major water damage.

While pipe bursts in winter are nothing short of a nightmare, the last thing you want to do is panic. To minimize the damage, here’s a quick guide from Acacias Plumbing on properly responding to such a plumbing emergency.

1. Turn Off The Water Supply

Before anything else—shut off the water supply to your home. Rush to your main water shut-off valve and turn clockwise to cut the water flow altogether. This is your best defense against further flooding and reduces the chances of more damage. Your shut-off valve might be located in your basement, crawl space, or near the water meter outside, so make sure you know where it is ahead of time!

2. Turn Off Electricity

Water and electricity don’t mix, especially when water is flooding areas where your electrical systems are exposed. If you suspect any electrical outlets, appliances, or wiring are affected by the water, immediately turn off the electricity at the breaker box. Safety is always a top priority—don’t risk electrocution by trying to fix things in standing water.

3. Drain The System

After shutting off the water, go ahead and open the faucets throughout your house to drain the pipes. This helps relieve pressure from the pipes and lets any remaining water escape, which can prevent further damage to the system. Start with the highest faucet and work your way down to the lowest point in your home for more efficient draining.

4. Soak Up Excess Water

Once you’ve got the water supply off and the system drained, start soaking up any excess water pooled in the area. Grab towels, a mop, or, if you have one, a wet-dry vacuum. The quicker you remove standing water, the less likely it is to cause lasting damage to your surfaces. Don’t forget to check hidden spots like underneath sinks or in cabinets, too!

5. Avoid Further Damage

If the burst pipe is near electrical equipment, furniture, or valuable belongings, try to move them out of harm’s way. If the water is coming from a specific area, try to seal it off temporarily with towels or a plastic sheet to contain the damage. Dealing with the water line repair is costly already, so avoid further expenses by dodging more water damage.

6. Call A Plumber

This is one emergency where you shouldn’t insist on your DIY prowess— just call a pro! Contact your local plumber right away—especially if you don’t know how to stop the leak or if you’re unsure of the full extent of the damage. A plumber will have the tools and expertise to fix the burst pipe, inspect for any additional issues, and make sure your plumbing system is back in working order.

7. File A Claim

After the burst pipe is fixed and your property is safe, it’s time to think about any water damage. Call your insurance company to report the damage and start the claim process. Take photos of the burst pipe and any damaged areas, and keep detailed records of the damage and repairs. Your insurance may cover some of the costs for water damage restoration, so don’t skip this step!

Avoid the Costly Surprise of Burst Pipes with Acacias Plumbing’s Help

We understand that burst pipes are no fun, especially when they happen in the dead of winter. But the good news is, there are steps you can take to avoid the unexpected expense of burst pipes altogether! Regular plumbing inspections, proper pipe insulation, and some winter-proofing tips can go a long way in preventing those costly surprises.

If you’ve got a burst pipe on your hands, don’t stress—Acacias Plumbing is here to help. Whether it’s an emergency plumbing  repair or just preventative maintenance, we’ve got you covered. We are on standby for emergency water line repair, so you don’t have to endure your plumbing trouble out in the cold.

Call us today for a free estimate or to schedule your plumbing check-up before the next winter storm hits!