It’s hard to imagine a worse homeowner nightmare than a burst pipe. In the immediate aftermath, you’ll feel panicked about stopping a leak and preventing flooding. It’s a lot of work and hassle, but you can minimize water damage instantly if you know what actions to take.

By being prepared in the event of an unexpected pipe burst caused by leaks or freezing, you can spare yourself expensive damage, mold exposure, and recurring plumbing issues.

If you ever find yourself in this situation, don’t panic — remember our burst pipe checklist to know what to do and when to call for help.

Signs of a Burst Water Pipe

Typically, there are a few warning signs that a water supply or sewer line is at risk of bursting. Before a catastrophic leak happens, be aware of these symptoms that a plumbing pipe may be likely to burst:

• Gurgling drains: Do you notice gurgling from a toilet or sink? This sound is caused by pockets of air getting trapped in a cracked pipe.
• Discolored or smelly water: If a pipe bursts in the ground, dirt, and other bacteria can contaminate your water supply.
• Watermarks or visible damage: Since most pipes are hidden behind walls, a leak can cause damp spots, watermarks, or even damage to the drywall.
• Puddles under sinks: Don’t ignore flooding under sinks; any standing water points to a leak.
• Inconsistent water pressure: Call a plumber for inspection if your shower suddenly goes from a weak stream to a full blast.

How To Handle a Burst Pipe

When a pipe bursts, every second counts. Follow these steps carefully to get the situation under control fast:

Shut Off All Water

Immediately shut off your main water valve by turning it clockwise or using a meter key.

If you’re not sure where it is, take the time to locate your water valve in advance by inspecting areas like crawl spaces and basements, near your water heater or furnace, under the kitchen sink, or outside near the curb or sidewalk. If you’re still unsure, call a professional plumber for help.

Flip the Circuit Breaker

Before any cleanup begins, disconnect your home’s electrical system by turning off the circuit breaker. Electrical panels are usually found in basements, garages, closets, or just outside your home.

Call an electrician immediately if there’s standing water between you and the circuit breaker box.

Open All Faucets

Next, you’ll want to drain any remaining water from your taps and faucets. This will alleviate pressure on your home’s pipes and prevent additional bursts.

Call United Air Temp

Pipe bursts can happen at any time. Having a trusted, professional plumber on your side can make all the difference.

United Air Temp offers same-day and 24/7 emergency repairs to Baltimore homeowners. Our highly trained technicians deliver round-the-clock care.

Document Damage & Call Your Insurance

Water damage from a sudden leak may be covered by homeowners’ insurance, but most policies won’t cover burst pipes caused by gradual damage since the homeowner is responsible for maintenance.

Collecting all evidence of water or structural damage with photos, video, or service estimates is vital to ensure you have enough information for a successful claim.

How To Prevent Burst Pipes

Preventing burst pipes starts with a little bit of care and attention. By following our tips, you can keep your pipes in good shape and avoid major headaches down the line. Remember to:

• Insulate your bathroom pipes.
• Properly winterize your pipes.
• Replace outdated piping materials like polybutylene, lead, cast iron, and galvanized steel.
• Keep your heat above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Why Choose United Air Temp?

If you’re dealing with a burst pipe, don’t stress — call United Air Temp. We offer reliable 24/7 emergency plumbing repairs, addressing burst and frozen pipes with the urgency they demand.

As a leader in home comfort since 1931, we’ve formed lasting relationships with customers built on trust and quality results. Count on our dependable team for same-day solutions to leaks, water damage, and burst water supply pipes.

Do you need to repair a burst pipe in Baltimore, MD? Contact United Air Temp to request 24/7, same-day repair.