Burst Pipe Water Damage
Shut off the water first. Then here's what usually happens next, and what it tends to cost.
A burst pipe can release a lot of water in a short time. The first job is always to stop it.
Right now
- Shut off the main water valve. It's often where the water line enters the house: in a basement, garage, crawlspace, utility closet, or near the water heater. Some homes also have a shutoff at the meter or street.
- Turn off electricity to wet areas if you can safely reach the panel from a dry spot.
- Open faucets to drain remaining water from the lines.
- Photograph the damage and the failed pipe.
- Call a plumber to repair the pipe, and a restoration company to start drying.
- Notify your insurer.
Why pipes burst
- Freezing: water expands as it freezes, increasing pressure in the pipe. Pipes in exterior walls, attics, crawlspaces, and garages are most at risk.
- Age and corrosion: older galvanized steel and some copper pipes develop pinhole leaks.
- High water pressure: pressure above what fixtures are designed for stresses pipes and connections.
- Failed fittings and supply lines: braided supply lines to toilets and sinks, washing machine hoses, and ice maker lines.
Broad cost estimates
Estimates only. Broad typical ranges based on published contractor and industry cost guides; actual prices vary widely. Get written quotes.
| Item | Broad typical range |
|---|---|
| Plumber to repair an accessible burst pipe | Often a few hundred dollars to about $1,000 |
| Pipe in a wall, ceiling, or slab | More, due to access and patching |
| Water mitigation for a few rooms (clean water) | Roughly $1,500 to $5,000 |
| Attic or upper-floor bursts with ceiling and insulation damage | Often $5,000 to $15,000+ including rebuild |
Insurance
Homeowners policies commonly cover sudden and accidental water damage from a burst pipe. Many cover the cost to tear out and replace the wall or floor to reach the pipe, but not the repair of the failed pipe itself. Freeze damage may be excluded if the home was left unheated and the water wasn't shut off and drained, especially if vacant. Read the freezing and vacancy sections of your policy.
Prevention
- Insulate pipes in exterior walls, attics, and crawlspaces.
- Disconnect garden hoses before freezing weather.
- Drip faucets and open cabinet doors during hard freezes.
- Keep the heat on when traveling, or shut off and drain the system.
- Replace old supply lines and washing machine hoses.
- Consider a water leak sensor or an automatic shutoff valve.
Frequently asked questions
Does insurance cover a burst pipe?
Sudden pipe bursts are commonly covered, including tear-out to reach the pipe, while the pipe itself may not be. Freeze damage may be excluded if heat wasn't maintained.
How do I find my main water shutoff?
Look where the water line enters the house: basement, garage, crawlspace, utility closet, or near the water heater. Some homes also have a shutoff at the meter.
How much does burst pipe repair cost?
Published cost guides commonly put accessible pipe repairs at a few hundred dollars to about $1,000, with water damage cleanup extra. Get written quotes.
How do I prevent frozen pipes?
Insulate exposed pipes, disconnect hoses, drip faucets in a hard freeze, and keep heat on.
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