When temperatures plunge, even a well-maintained home can fall victim to frozen and burst pipes. If you’ve discovered a leak or standing water after the recent cold snap, fast and correct action can dramatically reduce the damage—and the cost of repairs.
As a remediation company, we’re called in every winter to help homeowners recover from burst pipes. Below is the step‑by‑step process we recommend you follow the moment you suspect a problem.
1. Stay Safe First
Before you do anything else, focus on safety.
• Watch for electrical hazards. If water is near outlets, light switches, appliances, or your breaker panel, do not step into it.
• If it’s unsafe, leave the area. In serious situations (sparking, the smell of burning, ceilings sagging), evacuate that part of the home.
• Turn off power if needed. If you can safely reach your main breaker without crossing wet areas, switch off power to the affected zone or the whole house.
If you’re unsure whether it’s safe, call a professional immediately and avoid entering the affected space.
2. Shut Off the Main Water Supply
Stopping the flow of water is the single most important step.
1. Locate your main water shut‑off valve.
• Common locations: basement, crawl space, utility room, garage, or along a perimeter wall where the water line enters the home.
2. Turn the valve off.
• Gate valve (round handle): turn clockwise until it stops.
• Ball valve (lever): turn so the lever is perpendicular (across) the pipe.
3. If you can’t find it or it doesn’t work, contact your local water provider—they may be able to shut it off at the street.
This won’t remove the water that’s already leaked, but it will prevent additional flooding.
3. Relieve Pressure and Drain the Lines
Once the main water is off, drain the plumbing system to minimize further leakage.
• Open all cold‑water faucets in sinks, tubs, and showers. Start at the highest level of your home and work your way down.
• Flush all toilets to empty the tanks.
• If your home has a hot water heater, turn off power or gas to it (if you know how to do so safely), then open the hot‑water side of your faucets to help drain those lines as well.
This helps release pressure from frozen sections and reduces the amount of water that can escape from the damaged pipe.
4. Identify the Source of the Leak (If You Can Do So Safely)
If it is safe to investigate:
• Look for obvious signs: spraying water, dripping from ceilings, bulging drywall, water pooling on floors, or ice on exposed pipes.
• Check common problem areas: exterior walls, attics, crawl spaces, garages, and under sinks—anywhere insulation may be limited.
• Take photos and videos of everything you see: the pipe, the water damage, and affected belongings. These will be helpful for your insurance claim and for our assessment.
If you can’t find the leak, don’t worry—a remediation and plumbing team will locate it during inspection.
5. Protect Your Belongings
Once the water is off and things are stable, try to limit damage to your possessions.
• Move items out of harm’s way. Carefully relocate furniture, rugs, electronics, and valuables from wet areas if it’s safe to do so.
• Lift furniture off wet floors. Use blocks, foil, or plastic under furniture legs to prevent staining and further damage.
• Do not use a household vacuum to remove standing water—regular vacuums are not designed for water and can be dangerous.
If anything is contaminated (for example, if the burst involves a drain line or there’s any sign of dirty water), avoid touching items with bare hands.
6. Call a Professional Remediation Company
Burst pipes are more than a simple plumbing issue—they are a water damage emergency.
A professional remediation team (like ours) will:
• Inspect and document the affected areas and moisture levels.
• Work alongside a licensed plumber to repair or replace the damaged pipes.
• Extract standing water with professional equipment.
• Set up industrial dehumidifiers and air movers to dry the structure thoroughly.
• Check for hidden moisture in walls, floors, and cavities to prevent mold growth.
The faster we’re able to respond, the more we can save: flooring, walls, cabinetry, and even structural framing.
7. Begin Water Extraction and Initial Cleanup
If it’s safe and the amount of water is limited, you can start basic cleanup before we arrive.
• Use mops, towels, or a wet/dry shop vac (rated for water) to remove as much surface water as possible.
• Open windows and doors (weather permitting) to increase air circulation.
• Remove soaked area rugs and small items from the floor and place them somewhere dry.
Avoid pulling up carpet or cutting into walls on your own—improper removal can spread damage or mold spores and may complicate insurance coverage.
8. Promote Drying and Prevent Mold
Mold can begin to grow within 24–48 hours in damp conditions. Early drying efforts are critical.
• Increase airflow: turn on fans and ventilation systems if they’re not affected by water.
• Raise the temperature in the home slightly if possible—warm air holds more moisture and helps dehumidifiers work more effectively.
• Do not simply close up wet rooms and “wait for them to dry.” Trapped moisture can lead to structural damage and mold inside walls and under floors.
Our team will use moisture meters and infrared cameras to find hidden wet spots and then design a drying plan tailored to your home.
9. Contact Your Insurance Company
Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage from burst pipes (though not always the cost to repair the pipe itself). The specifics vary, so it’s important to reach out early.
• Call your insurer to report the incident as soon as reasonably possible.
• Provide photos, videos, and notes about what happened and when you discovered it.
• Share the documentation and estimates you receive from your plumber and remediation company.
We work with insurance adjusters regularly and can often help by providing detailed reports, moisture readings, and a clear breakdown of the restoration scope.
10. Repair, Restore, and Prevent Future Freezing
Once the immediate emergency is under control, it’s time to repair and protect your home.
Repairs and restoration may include:
• Replacing damaged drywall, insulation, and flooring.
• Cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing affected areas.
• Repainting and restoring finishes to pre‑loss condition.
To help prevent future burst pipes:
• Insulate exposed pipes, especially in unheated spaces.
• Seal air leaks in attics, basements, and crawl spaces to reduce cold drafts.
• In extreme cold, let faucets drip slightly and open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to allow warm air to circulate.
• Consider having a plumber install shut‑off valves for vulnerable areas and pipe heat cables where appropriate.
Our team can walk you through the vulnerabilities we see in your home and recommend steps to make it more resilient in future cold snaps.
When To Call Us Right Away
You should contact a remediation company immediately if:
• There is standing water on floors or in the basement.
• Ceilings or walls are sagging, bulging, or cracking.
• You see water tracking behind walls or under flooring.
• You notice a musty odor or visible mold.
• The affected area is larger than a few square feet or you’re unsure how far the damage extends.
Prompt professional remediation can be the difference between a minor repair and a major reconstruction project.
We’re Here to Help
A burst pipe after a cold snap is stressful, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. If you suspect water damage in your home:
1. Shut off your water.
2. Protect your family and belongings.
3. Call a professional remediation company.
We’ll help you assess the damage, dry your home properly, and work with your plumber and insurance company so you can get back to normal as quickly and safely as possible.