When a frozen pipe bursts, shut off your main water valve right away, then turn off power to any wet area if you can reach the panel without standing in water. Take photos, move valuables out of the water, and call a water damage restoration company. Drying needs to start fast. The EPA says wet materials should be dried within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold.
Why do pipes burst in winter?
Water expands when it freezes. That pressure builds between the ice and a closed faucet until the pipe splits. The American Red Cross lists the pipes most likely to freeze: outdoor hose bibs, sprinkler lines, pipes in unheated basements, garages and crawl spaces, and pipes inside exterior walls with little insulation. Check any sink on an outside wall and any line that runs through a garage. What should I do in the first 15 minutes?
- Shut off the main water valve. In homes with a basement, it is often where the water line comes through the foundation wall. Close a wheel handle clockwise. Turn a lever handle so it sits across the pipe.
- Turn off electricity to wet areas. Only if you can reach the panel without standing in water. If you can’t, stay out and call the utility.
- Open faucets to drain the remaining water and relieve pressure.
- Document everything. Photos and video of the pipe, the water and damaged belongings before you move them.
- Move what you can. Rugs, electronics, boxes and furniture off wet floors.
- Call your insurance company and a restoration company. A plumber fixes the pipe. A restoration company dries and repairs the house.
How do I thaw a frozen pipe that hasn’t burst yet?
If a faucet only trickles, suspect a frozen pipe. The Red Cross says to keep the faucet open and warm the frozen section with a hair dryer, heating pad, space heater kept a safe distance away, or towels soaked in hot water. Never use a blowtorch, kerosene heater or any open flame. If you can’t find or reach the frozen spot, call a licensed plumber.
Why does fast drying matter so much?
Water does not stay where you see it. It wicks up drywall, soaks into insulation and spreads under flooring. Surfaces can look dry while the wall cavity stays wet. That hidden moisture is what leads to mold and warped floors weeks later. Household fans move air across the surface. They don’t pull moisture out of a wall.
Professional drying uses water extraction, commercial dehumidifiers and air movers, plus moisture meters to confirm the structure is actually dry before anything is closed up.
Will insurance cover a burst pipe?
Sudden pipe bursts are often covered by homeowners insurance. Damage from a slow leak or from leaving a home unheated may not be. Policies vary, so read yours or call your agent. Reporting quickly and documenting everything helps your claim either way.
How do I keep pipes from freezing?
- Keep the thermostat at the same setting day and night during cold snaps.
- If you travel, keep the heat no lower than 55°F, per the Red Cross.
- Let faucets on exterior walls drip during hard freezes.
- Open sink cabinet doors on outside walls so warm air reaches the pipes.
- Disconnect garden hoses and drain outdoor spigots.
- Insulate pipes in unheated spaces.
How Aaron Builders helps after a burst pipe
Aaron Builders has handled water damage restoration in Farmington Hills and across Southeast Michigan since 1979. When you call (248) 957-9660, our crew answers 24/7 and arrives within one hour. We extract the water, set drying equipment, track moisture readings daily, and remove materials that can’t be saved. Then we rebuild, from drywall and insulation to flooring and paint, under a 5-year workmanship warranty. Our Xactimate-certified estimators document the loss and work directly with your adjuster, including State Farm, Allstate, AAA, Travelers and Liberty Mutual. If water sat long enough to cause mold, our mold remediation team handles that too, so you deal with one company start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my shop vac and fans instead of calling a pro?
For a small spill on a hard floor, yes. For water in walls, carpet or a finished basement, household equipment usually can’t dry the structure in the 24 to 48 hour window the EPA recommends.
How long does drying take?
Drying typically takes 3 to 5 days with professional equipment. Repairs depend on how much was damaged.
Should I call a plumber or a restoration company first?
Shut off the water first. Then call both. The plumber fixes the pipe. Aaron Builders handles extraction, drying and repairs.