When a pipe bursts, shut off the main water valve right away, then turn off power to wet areas and the water heater. Open the lowest faucet to drain the lines, move valuables out of the water, and take photos. Then call a plumber to repair the pipe and a restoration provider to dry your home.
Key takeaways
- Know where your main shutoff is before you ever need it.
- A sudden drop in water pressure and the sound of running water are early clues.
- In Arizona, most bursts come from age, pressure and corrosion, not freezing.
- The plumbing repair is often the cheapest part. Drying and rebuilding cost more.
What should you do when a pipe bursts?
- Shut off the main water valve. In most Apache Junction homes it sits near the front hose bib or in a box by the curb. Turn it clockwise until it stops.
- Turn off the water heater. Switch off its breaker, or set a gas heater to "off", so it does not heat an empty tank.
- Cut power to wet rooms at the breaker, if you can reach it without standing in water.
- Drain the lines. Open the lowest faucet in the house, such as a tub or outdoor spigot, to empty the pipes.
- Save what you can. Move rugs, electronics, papers and furniture to a dry area.
- Document it. Photograph the break and every wet area before cleanup.
- Call for help. A plumber fixes the pipe. A restoration provider extracts water and dries walls, floors and cabinets.
How can you tell if a pipe burst?
Some bursts are obvious, with water spraying from under a sink. Others happen inside walls, ceilings or under the yard. Watch for these signs:
- A sudden drop in water pressure at several fixtures
- The sound of running or hissing water when nothing is on
- Wet spots, stains or bulges on walls and ceilings
- Puddles near walls, cabinets or the water heater
- Rusty or discolored water from faucets
- A water meter that keeps moving with every fixture off
- A water bill that jumps with no change in use
Our guide to signs of water damage in walls walks through the meter test step by step.
How do you tell if a pipe burst underground?
A broken line between the meter and the house shows up outside first. Look for a soggy or unusually green patch of yard in the desert heat, a small sinkhole or sunken spot, water bubbling up near the foundation or sidewalk, and low pressure throughout the house. If the meter keeps spinning after you close the main valve at the house, the leak is likely in that underground line.
Why do pipes burst?
| Cause | How it happens | Common in Arizona? |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion and hard water | Minerals and chemistry pit copper from the inside until a pinhole opens or a weak spot splits. | Yes, very |
| High water pressure | Pressure above about 80 psi strains pipes and fittings. A failed pressure-reducing valve can cause sudden spikes. | Yes |
| Age and worn fittings | Supply hoses, compression fittings and old valves wear out and let go. | Yes |
| Shifting soil | Expansive clay and caliche move with wet and dry seasons, stressing buried lines. | Yes |
| Freezing | Water expands as it freezes and splits the pipe. | Rare, but possible in cold snaps |
| Water hammer | Fast-closing valves send pressure shocks through the lines. | Sometimes |
What temperature do pipes burst?
Pipes are generally at risk of freezing when the outdoor temperature drops to about 20°F or lower, especially for several hours. Exposed pipes can freeze closer to 32°F. That is uncommon in central Apache Junction, but foothill areas like Gold Canyon and Queen Valley see colder nights. Lines in garages, on roofs to swamp coolers, at outdoor spigots and under manufactured homes are most exposed.
PEX plastic tubing handles freezing better than copper because it can stretch, but it is not freeze-proof. Fittings and connections can still crack.
Burst pipe soaked your floors or walls? Start extraction now to limit what has to be torn out.
Call: (856) 481-6893How much does it cost to fix a burst pipe?
The plumbing repair depends on where the pipe is. A broken supply line under a sink is a quick fix. A pipe behind tile, inside a ceiling or under a slab costs more because someone has to open the wall or floor to reach it.
The bigger cost is usually the water damage. Drying, removing wet drywall and flooring, and rebuilding often add up to more than the plumbing. How fast drying starts makes the biggest difference. Many homeowners policies cover sudden water damage from a burst pipe. See what Arizona homeowners insurance covers.
How can you prevent burst pipes?
- Have your water pressure tested. A pressure-reducing valve keeps it in a safe range.
- Replace rubber washer hoses with braided steel and swap old toilet and faucet supply lines.
- Insulate exposed pipes in garages, on roofs and under manufactured homes before winter.
- Shut off the main valve when you leave home for more than a few days.
- Consider a whole-home water softener to slow mineral buildup.
- Add leak sensors near the water heater, washer and sinks.