Burst Pipe Repair

Warning signs

• Water spraying, pooling or dripping from a wall or ceiling
• A sudden drop in water pressure
• Wet drywall, bulging paint or a sagging ceiling
• A water meter that keeps spinning with every fixture off

What to do right now

1. Shut off the main water valve—usually where the line enters the house, or at the curb meter
2. Turn off electricity to any wet area if you can do so without standing in water
3. Open faucets to drain remaining pressure
4. Move valuables away and start removing standing water
5. Photograph the damage for your insurance claim

What the plumber will do

A plumber will locate the break, cut out the damaged section and splice in new pipe, then check nearby runs for more freeze damage before restoring water.

What affects the cost

Price depends on where the break is (an exposed basement line costs far less than one inside a finished wall), the pipe material, after-hours rates and whether drywall must be opened. Pricing is set by the independent provider—ask for the trip charge and an estimate before work begins.