Burst pipe: shut off the water before anything else
A burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons in an hour. Find the main shutoff valve and turn it clockwise until it stops. Then open a cold faucet at the lowest point to drain the line, switch off the water heater, and keep power away from wet areas. Do these first, then call.
Our 24/7 line takes burst pipe calls at any hour. If you cannot reach the main, or it will not turn, say so. A plumber can shut off the supply at the meter if you tell us right away, and we will tell you what to do while help is on the way.
The next ten minutes matter
These steps limit damage while a plumber is dispatched.
Close the main.
Turn the main shutoff clockwise. If it is stuck, do not force it with a tool that might snap it.
Open a low faucet.
Draining the line reduces the volume that can still spill from the break.
Protect what you can.
Lift small furniture and move valuables out of the wet area.
Take photos.
Photograph the damage and the broken pipe if safe. Your insurer will ask for them.
If water has reached outlets or the electrical panel, stay out of the area and call 911 if there is any risk.
Pipe broken right now?
Shut off the main, then call. Dispatch is open 24/7.
The most common causes we see
Pipe failures cluster around a few causes, and knowing which one hit you helps prevent a second break.
Freezing.
Water expands when it freezes and splits pipes in unheated spaces such as garages, crawlspaces, exterior walls and outdoor spigot lines.
Corrosion and age.
Older galvanized or thin copper lines can wear through at a single point and spray.
High pressure.
Pressure at the upper end of the normal range wears joints and fittings over time.
Failed fittings.
Push fittings, flexible connectors and old supply lines can fail without warning.
After the pipe is repaired, the plumber should look for the cause so it does not repeat.
Winter and water pressure in Roy
Northern Utah winters are cold enough to freeze exposed lines, especially in garages, crawlspaces and along north walls. Cold snaps after a mild stretch are when many calls come in. Keep garage doors closed on freezing nights, let a faucet drip on exterior walls, and disconnect and drain hoses in the fall.
Roy's 2024 water plan describes delivery pressure of 60 to 90 psi. That is normal, but near the top of the range it can contribute to failures on older fittings. If you have had more than one fitting failure, ask the plumber to measure pressure at the house and consider a regulator.
How we fix a burst pipe
A good repair fixes the break and checks what else the water has affected.
- 1
Stop the water and assess.
The plumber confirms the supply is off, finds the break and checks nearby sections that may have been damaged by the same event.
- 2
Explain the options.
A small section may be cut out and replaced. If the line is old and corroded, the plumber may recommend replacing more of it.
- 3
Give a clear price.
You get the price before the repair begins and approve it first.
- 4
Repair and test.
After the repair, the line is pressurized and watched for leaks before the plumber leaves.
If several pipes have burst or the line is old, repiping may be the more lasting answer.
After the leak
- Dry out and document the damage.
- Open cabinet doors and run fans to dry affected areas.
- Photograph wet materials before discarding them.
- Call your insurer to open a claim, since they may want to inspect.
- Watch for mold in the following days if drying was slow.
What decides the price of a burst pipe repair
Many policies cover the sudden damage from a burst pipe, often with conditions. The repair of the pipe itself may not be covered, so ask before repairs.
What different breaks usually mean
The type of break hints at the cause.
| What you see | Likely cause | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Long split along a copper pipe. | Freezing. | Repair, then insulate and check for more breaks. |
| Pinhole spray. | Corrosion. | Repair and consider repiping if more appear. |
| Fitting separated. | Pressure or poor joint. | Replace the fitting and check pressure. |
| Flexible line burst. | Aging connector. | Replace the connector and its neighbors. |
The plumber confirms the cause before recommending anything.
After the break is fixed
A single break can be a sign of wider trouble, so ask about a leak check for the rest of the system. A badly corroded line may call for repiping, and a failed water heater connection is covered under water heater repair. Calls from West Haven are common in cold snaps.
Questions about burst pipe repair
Close the main shutoff valve, open a low faucet to drain the line, turn off the water heater and keep electricity away from wet areas. Then call the 24/7 line.
Often the plumber can stop the leak and make a temporary or permanent repair on the first visit, depending on access and parts. The plumber explains the options when they arrive.
Many policies cover sudden bursts, often with limits and conditions. Photograph everything and contact your insurer promptly so they can advise.
Keep the home heated, seal drafts near plumbing, let a faucet drip on very cold nights and insulate exposed lines. See leak detection if you suspect an existing slow leak.