Burst Pipes? Here's How to Handle It!
What to Do If a Pipe Bursts: A Step-by-Step Emergency Guide for Homeowners
A burst pipe is one of the most stressful plumbing emergencies a homeowner can experience. Water can spread quickly, damaging walls, floors, cabinets, and personal belongings within minutes.
Knowing exactly what to do — and what not to do — can dramatically reduce damage and repair costs.
This guide walks you through the immediate steps to take if a pipe bursts, common causes, and when to call a professional plumber.
Step 1 — Shut Off the Water Immediately
The most important step is stopping the water flow.
Locate your main water shut-off valve
Turn it clockwise until fully closed
If you can’t find it, check:
Near the water meter
Utility room
Garage
Exterior wall closest to the street
If you don’t know where your shutoff is, take time to find it before an emergency happens.
Step 2 — Turn Off Electricity (If Needed)
If water is:
Near electrical outlets
Pooling on floors
Dripping from ceilings
⚠️ Do NOT touch standing water near electricity
Safely shut off power to affected areas from the breaker panel if possible.
Step 3 — Drain the Remaining Water
Once the water supply is off:
Open faucets throughout the home
Flush toilets
Drain as much remaining water as possible
This reduces pressure and limits continued leakage.
Step 4 — Contain the Damage
While waiting for a plumber and/or other assistance, it is important to take any reasonable steps you can to prevent or mitigate further damage to your home and/or personal property, and document the damage. This will make repairs and your insurance claim (if needed) easier.
Use towels, buckets, or wet/dry vacs to prevent further damage
Move furniture and valuables out of affected areas
Place aluminum foil or plastic under furniture legs
Document damage with photos for insurance
Step 5 — Call a Licensed Plumber
Burst pipes require professional repair.
Call a plumber immediately if:
A pipe has split or cracked
Water continues leaking
The burst occurred under a slab or inside a wall
You’re unsure where the damage is coming from
Temporary DIY fixes often fail and can make damage worse.
Common Causes of Burst Pipes
Understanding the cause helps prevent future problems.
Most common causes include:
Freezing temperatures
Corrosion in older pipes
High water pressure
Shifting foundations
Poor installation or aging materials
In the Texas Hill Country, freezing and aging copper lines are especially common culprits.
What NOT to Do During a Burst Pipe Emergency
Avoid these mistakes:
❌ Leaving the water on
❌ Using open flames to thaw pipes
❌ Ignoring hidden leaks
❌ Delaying professional repair
❌ Attempting permanent fixes without proper tools
Will Homeowners Insurance Cover a Burst Pipe?
In many cases, yes — but it depends.
Most policies cover:
Sudden, accidental pipe bursts
Resulting water damage to your home
Coverage may be denied if:
The home wasn’t properly maintained
Reasonable precautions weren’t taken
The damage was ongoing and ignored
Always review your policy, and document damage and costs incurred to mitigate further damage immediately after a water leak. It is important to understand the coverage your homeowner's insurance or renter's insurance policy provides for damage caused by water leaks, exclusions and other limitations, and the portion of cost to repair you are responsible for covering (your deductible). If a claim is needed, file it as soon as possible, as your company may need to evaluate the damage prior to repairs.
How to Prevent Future Burst Pipes
Prevention is far less expensive than repairs.
Insulate exposed pipes
Winterize outdoor plumbing
Replace aging or corroded pipes
Upgrade vulnerable copper lines to PEX
Address low water pressure or pressure spikes
Schedule preventative plumbing inspections
Conclusion
A burst pipe doesn’t have to become a disaster — if you act fast.
If you experience a plumbing emergency or want help preparing your home to prevent one, Resurrection Plumbing is here to help with fast, professional service. We serve Kerrville, Fredericksburg, Bandera, Medina, Center Point, Comfort, Hunt, Ingram, Mountain Home, and surrounding Texas Hill Country communities.
