Burst pipe water damage cleanup

What this covers

A burst pipe is an urgent kind of water loss because the source can keep running until someone shuts it off. This service covers the damage that follows: removing the water, taking out soaked materials, drying the building and repairing what has to be replaced.

What causes pipes to burst

In Missouri winters, the leading cause is freezing. A pipe in an exterior wall, an unheated garage, a crawl space or an attic fills with ice, pressure builds and the pipe splits. Other causes include aging supply lines, corrosion, high water pressure, a loose fitting that gives way, and damage from a nail or fastener during other work.

Signs of a hidden leak include a sudden drop in water pressure, the sound of running water when everything is off, ceiling stains that spread, warped baseboards, or a water bill that jumps without explanation.

The first few minutes

• Shut off the main water valve.
• Open a faucet at the lowest point in the house to drain the lines.
• If water is coming through a ceiling or near light fixtures, stay out of that room and turn off the circuit if you can do so safely from a dry spot.
• Move furniture, rugs and electronics out of the wet area.
• Photograph and record the damage before cleanup.
• Call a plumber for the pipe, and call us for the water damage.

You will find a general version of this list on our emergency page.

How we handle burst pipe damage

Our method is outlined on the process page. With a burst pipe, time matters because water travels down through floors and out along framing. We start by asking where the break occurred and how long it ran, then inspect and trace moisture through the structure.

Extraction removes any standing water. We then remove insulation or drywall that has absorbed too much water to dry, set drying equipment and monitor it until readings confirm the structure is dry. Repairs follow, from patching and painting to rebuilding a section of wall.

Preventing the next freeze

Once the cleanup is underway, it is a good time to think about the conditions that caused the failure. Some simple habits lower the risk through a cold Missouri winter.

• Keep the heat on and set to a reasonable temperature even when you travel.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls during hard freezes.
• Disconnect garden hoses and shut off outdoor spigots before the first freeze.
• Insulate exposed pipes in garages, crawl spaces and attics.
• Let a faucet drip slowly during extreme cold on a pipe that has frozen before.

If you leave town, ask someone to look in on the house. A pipe that bursts while nobody is home can run for a long time before it is noticed, and a smart water shutoff or a leak sensor can make the difference.

When the damage is hidden

Many burst pipe jobs involve water that went somewhere you cannot see. A split behind a kitchen wall can soak insulation and run into the room below. We check the adjacent areas, including cabinets, closets and the ceiling underneath, instead of stopping where the stain ends.

Insurance

A sudden pipe break is generally the kind of event homeowner policies are written for, but your coverage depends on the policy and the circumstances. We work with your insurance company and can bill the insurer directly. We also keep photos and moisture logs for your claim. More on the insurance page.

Where we serve

We are in St. Charles and cover St. Charles County and St. Louis County, including St. Charles, Weldon Spring and St. Peters. See all service areas.

If a pipe has let go, call us. Our line is open 24/7 for emergencies.