Burst pipe water damage

Do this now

1. Shut off the main water valve. It's usually where the water line enters the house, often in the basement, a utility room or near the water heater.
2. Open a faucet on the lowest floor to drain the lines.
3. Stay clear of electricity. If water is reaching outlets, fixtures or the panel, don't touch them; switch off the breaker only if you can do it from a dry spot.
4. Document everything with photos and video before cleanup.
5. Call a plumber for the pipe and a restoration company for the water.

Hidden water is the real problem

Water from a burst pipe runs along framing and soaks into drywall, insulation and subfloors. Restoration crews use moisture meters and sometimes thermal cameras to find how far it went, then open up and dry those areas. If materials stay wet beyond 24–48 hours, mold becomes likely; the EPA says drying within that window prevents mold in most cases (EPA: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home).

Is it covered by insurance?

According to the Insurance Information Institute, a standard HO-3 homeowners policy covers accidental discharge of water from a plumbing system, but excludes water seepage (Insurance Information Institute: Am I covered?). In practice, a pipe that suddenly bursts is usually covered; a slow leak that went on for months often isn't. Frozen pipes can be excluded if the home was left unheated, so check your policy wording. More in our insurance guide.

Preventing frozen pipes

• Insulate pipes in unheated areas such as crawl spaces, attics and garages.
• Keep the heat on when you're away in winter.
• On very cold nights, let a faucet drip and open sink cabinet doors on outside walls.
• Know where your main shut-off valve is before you need it.