What are burst pipes?

A burst pipe is a hole in the wall of your plastic or metal plumbing pipe that lets water out, sometimes at high speed. The burst pipe may be located inside your home, under your sink or behind your walls, or it may be outside on the surface of your house where you can see it. Either way, it’s not good news: the water that comes out of a burst pipe is often contaminated by rust and other sediment that can be very hard to remove. It may also cause water damage to your property, such as ruining the dry wall around the bathroom sink or flooding your living room. The repair cost for a single pipe leak can range from $250 to over $1,000.

When should you shut off your home’s main water supply and call a plumber? If you see water spurting up through your kitchen floor, if there’s standing water in your basement or if your yard is full of puddles, you’ve got a burst pipe and should shut off your water immediately. You can try to stop the flow of water by closing the main water supply valve, which is usually located near where your water meter is. If you’re not sure where it is, ask your landlord or call a plumber. Once the water is off, don’t use any electrical outlets near the water damage (especially if the water is wet), and call a plumber to come and fix the problem.

Burst pipes can be caused by problems with your plumbing system like corroded pipes, improper installation or tree roots growing into the pipes. They can also be caused by extreme weather conditions, such as when a pipe freezes in cold weather and then thaws out and bursts. If you think your home might be at risk for burst pipes, you can take some preventive steps like wrapping your pipes in insulation or heating them with a space heater. And if you’re going to be out of town for an extended period of time, make sure to turn off the water to your house at the main valve.

If you do experience a burst pipe, don’t forget to call your insurance company. Many policies cover water damage from burst pipes, but it’s best to check with your agent before anything happens. Burst pipes are a common cause of property damage, and it’s always good to know what your insurance policy covers just in case.

Now that you know what a burst pipe is and what to do if you have one, be prepared and take some preventive steps to avoid this costly problem. Protect your home and your wallet by following our simple tips.