Pipe Burst in House
A pipe burst in your house is one of those emergencies that can turn into a homeowner’s nightmare if you don’t act quickly. We’ve handled many burst pipe situations in our 6+ years serving Washington homeowners, and we know exactly what you’re experiencing right now—panic mixed with urgent questions about what to do next.
The truth is, knowing how to respond in the first few minutes after discovering a burst pipe can mean the difference between a manageable repair and thousands of dollars in water damage. We’re here to walk you through everything you need to know.
Why Pipes Burst: Understanding the Causes
Before we dive into what to do when a pipe bursts, let’s talk about why it happens. Understanding the root cause helps you prevent future bursts and makes sense of your situation.
Freezing Temperatures and Pipe Damage
Freezing is the most common cause of pipe bursts in Washington. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands. That expansion creates pressure against the pipe walls until something has to give—and usually it’s the pipe itself that fails. This is especially true for pipes in unheated areas like crawlspaces, attics, and exterior walls.
We typically see the highest number of burst pipe calls when temperatures drop below 20°F for extended periods. If your pipes aren’t properly insulated, they’re at serious risk.
Corrosion and Aging Pipes
Older pipes, especially galvanized steel pipes installed before the 1980s, corrode from the inside out. This corrosion weakens the pipe walls until they can no longer withstand normal water pressure. Even a small bump or slight pressure increase can cause a corroded pipe to fail.
If your home is over 30 years old and you haven’t had your plumbing inspected recently, corrosion might be silently damaging your pipes right now.
Water Pressure Issues
Excessive water pressure puts constant stress on your pipes. If your home’s water pressure exceeds 80 PSI (pounds per square inch), it’s working your pipes harder than they’re designed to handle. This sustained pressure can eventually cause a burst, even in relatively new pipes.
Tree Root Intrusion
Tree roots seek out water sources, and they’re surprisingly good at finding small cracks in underground pipes. Once roots penetrate a pipe, they continue growing inside it, eventually causing the pipe to rupture or collapse. This is particularly common in older homes with clay or cast iron sewer lines.
Immediate Steps When You Discover a Pipe Burst
The moments right after you discover a burst pipe are critical. Here’s exactly what you need to do:
Step 1: Shut Off Your Water Supply
This is your first priority. Locate your main water shut-off valve—usually found near your water meter or where the main line enters your home. Turn it clockwise to stop the water flow. If you can’t locate it or it won’t turn, call us immediately. We can help you find it or shut it off remotely.
Don’t wait to see if it stops on its own. Every minute water continues flowing is more damage happening to your home.
Step 2: Locate the Burst Pipe
Once you’ve shut off the water, try to find where the burst is occurring. Look for:
- Water spraying or pooling
- Wet spots on walls or ceilings
- Discolored drywall or flooring
- The sound of running water when the main valve is off
If the burst is in a wall or ceiling, you might only see water damage without finding the actual pipe. That’s okay—document what you see and call us for Pipe Burst Repair help.
Step 3: Drain Remaining Water
After shutting off the main valve, open the lowest faucet in your home (usually a basement or ground-level sink) and let it run. This drains residual water from the pipes and reduces pressure on the damaged section.
Step 4: Document the Damage
Take photos and videos of all water damage before cleaning anything up. This documentation is essential for your insurance claim and helps us understand the scope of the problem when we arrive.
Preventing Pipe Bursts in Your Home
While we can’t prevent every pipe burst, we can significantly reduce your risk with smart preventive measures.
Insulate Vulnerable Pipes
Pipes in unheated areas need insulation. Foam pipe wrap or fiberglass insulation around exposed pipes in crawlspaces, attics, and exterior walls can prevent freezing. We recommend insulating any pipe that’s exposed to temperatures below 50°F.
Maintain Proper Water Pressure
Have your water pressure checked regularly. If it’s above 80 PSI, we can install a pressure regulator to bring it down to a safe level (typically 50-70 PSI). This simple addition protects your entire plumbing system.
Regular Plumbing Inspections
We recommend professional plumbing inspections every 2-3 years, especially for homes over 20 years old. During an inspection, we can identify corrosion, water pressure issues, and other problems before they cause a burst.
Pipe Burst in House Help: When to Call a Professional
While some homeowners might attempt temporary fixes, a burst pipe requires professional attention. Here’s why:
Temporary patches might stop the immediate leak, but they don’t address the underlying problem. If corrosion caused the burst, another pipe will likely fail soon. If freezing caused it, the burst will happen again next winter without proper insulation.
We have the tools and expertise to:
- Locate hidden bursts behind walls and under floors
- Determine whether repair or replacement is the best solution
- Ensure repairs meet current building codes
- Prevent future bursts in the same area
Our team at Pike Plumbing has completed thousands of burst pipe repairs. We know the common problem areas in Washington homes and how to fix them right the first time.
Water Damage and Insurance Coverage
One of your biggest concerns right now is probably whether your insurance will cover the damage. The answer depends on your specific policy and what caused the burst.
What Your Homeowners Insurance Covers
Most homeowners insurance policies cover sudden, accidental pipe bursts. However, they typically don’t cover damage from:
- Lack of maintenance (like not insulating pipes)
- Gradual leaks over time
- Freezing caused by you not maintaining heat in the home
- Damage to the pipe itself (only the water damage it caused)
This is why documentation is so important. Your photos and videos prove the burst was sudden and accidental.
Steps to File an Insurance Claim
- Contact your insurance company immediately
- Provide your documentation (photos, videos, dates)
- Get a repair estimate from a licensed plumber (we can provide this)
- Follow your insurance company’s claims process
- Keep all receipts for repairs and temporary mitigation
We work with insurance companies regularly and can provide detailed estimates that help your claim process move smoothly.
Long-Term Solutions for Burst Pipes
Once we’ve repaired your burst pipe, we’ll discuss long-term solutions to prevent it from happening again.
Pipe Replacement Options
If your pipes are old or corroded, replacement might be the best long-term solution. Modern PEX and copper pipes are more durable and resistant to corrosion. While replacement is a bigger investment than repair, it eliminates the risk of future bursts in those lines.
Upgrading Your Plumbing System
For homes with aging galvanized steel pipes, we often recommend a full or partial plumbing system upgrade. This is a significant project, but it gives you peace of mind and protects your home’s value.
We also recommend installing a water pressure regulator and ensuring all vulnerable pipes are properly insulated as part of your long-term protection strategy.
Why Choose Pike Plumbing for Burst Pipe Repair
When you need help with a pipe burst in your house, you need someone who understands the urgency and has the expertise to fix it right. Here’s what sets Pike Plumbing apart:
Experience: Our team has been serving Washington homeowners for 6+ years and has handled an extensive amount of burst pipe situations. We’ve seen every type of burst and know how to handle it.
Licensed and Insured: We hold Plumbing License #PIKEPPS782P7 and carry full insurance coverage. Your home and our work are protected.
Professional Expertise: Our plumbing experts stay current with the latest techniques and materials. We don’t just patch problems—we solve them.
Proven Track Record: With over 500 reviews from satisfied customers, we’ve earned a reputation for reliability and quality work.
Quality Assurance: We guarantee our work and stand behind every repair. If something isn’t right, we’ll fix it.
When you call Pike Plumbing, you’re getting a team that cares about your home as much as you do. We’ll explain what happened, show you your options, and get your plumbing back to normal.
If you’re dealing with a pipe burst right now or want to prevent one from happening, visit our services page to learn more about how we can help. For leak repairs and burst pipe solutions, Pike Plumbing is here for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a burst pipe?
Common signs of a burst pipe include unexplained water pooling in your home, wet spots on walls or ceilings, a sudden drop in water pressure, discolored drywall, musty smells indicating mold growth, and hearing running water when all faucets are off. If you suspect a burst pipe, shut off your main water valve immediately and call Pike Plumbing for professional diagnosis.
What should I do immediately after discovering a burst pipe?
First, shut off your main water supply valve to stop water flow. Second, locate the burst if possible to understand the scope of damage. Third, open the lowest faucet in your home to drain remaining water from the pipes. Fourth, take photos and videos of all water damage for insurance documentation. Finally, call Pike Plumbing for professional pipe burst repair help.
Will my homeowners insurance cover a burst pipe?
Most homeowners insurance policies cover sudden, accidental pipe bursts and the resulting water damage. However, coverage typically excludes damage from lack of maintenance, gradual leaks, or neglecting to maintain heat in your home. Review your specific policy and contact your insurance company immediately after discovering a burst. We can provide detailed repair estimates to support your claim.
“Serving the Puget Sound region has truly been a blessing. We enjoy serving our community of diverse and hardworking Washingtonians.”
Anthony and Corey grew up the sons of tradesmen, learning the skills that now make them expert plumbers from an early age.
They became friends working at another local plumbing company years ago. Seeing an open niche, they came together to grow Pike into the customer obsessed small business it is today.
Amy Estrella & Rachel Moline are the engine behind the scenes. Amy’s education is in Supply Chain and Operations Management. She has 10+ years’ experience working for a large warehousing and distribution company as a Senior Manager.
Rachel started out her career in the trades as a machinist, later moving into business management. Her servant style of leadership led her to a successful general manager role at a previous company.
