Home Emergency plumbing Burst or frozen pipes
Burst or frozen pipe? Act in the next five minutes.
Water from a split pipe can ruin floors and drywall fast. Stop the water first, then call a plumber who will find every damaged section.
What is happening
A frozen pipe is blocked by ice, and ice expands, so the pipe can split. Often you only see the damage after the ice melts and water pours out. In western Washington, cold snaps catch homes off guard, especially pipes in crawl spaces, garages and exterior walls. A burst pipe can flood a home quickly.
Do this right now
- Shut off the main water supply right away
- Open faucets to drain what is left in the lines
- Turn off power to any wet area if you can do so safely from a dry spot
- If a pipe is only frozen, use a hair dryer on low heat with a faucet open; never use a flame
- Take photos for insurance and call us
The Pyper way
How Pyper handles it
We find where the freeze or split is and check nearby pipes that the same freeze may have stressed. A split section is cut out and replaced with proper pipe and fittings, not wrapped. We then bring the water back slowly, test for leaks, and point out the exposed runs that should be insulated.
Stop the water
We confirm the main is off and find where the freeze or split is, including hidden runs behind walls.
Check the neighbors
A freeze stresses more than one spot, so we look at nearby pipes and fittings that may be cracked but not leaking yet.
Repair properly
A split section is cut out and replaced with proper pipe and fittings.
Test and advise
We bring the water back slowly, check for leaks, and point out exposed runs that should be insulated.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using a torch or open flame to thaw a pipe, which is a fire risk and can damage the pipe
- Waiting for the ice to melt before shutting off the water, since the leak often starts on the thaw
- Turning the heat up and walking away without finding the main shutoff
- Patching a split with tape and leaving it, when the pipe around it may be weakened too
Questions we hear
Should I turn off the water if a pipe is only frozen?
Yes, if you can reach the main shutoff safely. A frozen pipe may already be cracked, and the leak can start as it thaws. Open a faucet on the frozen line so water and pressure have somewhere to go.
Is it safe to thaw a frozen pipe myself?
Gentle heat from a hair dryer on low, with the faucet open, is the usual safe approach. Never use a flame or torch. If you cannot find the frozen section, or you see a crack, stop and call a plumber.
Will insurance cover a burst pipe?
Coverage depends on your policy, so ask your insurer. Taking photos of the damage before you clean up helps with any claim.
Guides
Step-by-step help
24/7 emergency plumbing
Burst Pipe: What to Do in the First 15 Minutes
A burst pipe is flooding your home. Shut off the main valve, handle power safely, drain the lines, document damage, and know when to call a plumber.
Arko Smygov · 5 min read
Read the guideFrozen pipe repair
Frozen Pipes in Western Washington: Prevent and Thaw
How to prevent frozen pipes in Western Washington, thaw them safely without flame, and what to do if a pipe bursts during a cold snap.
Arko Smygov · 5 min read
Read the guideLocal story
January 2024 Cold Snap: Why Pipes Burst in Our Region
The January 2024 Arctic outbreak split pipes at Snohomish County schools. Here is why exterior-wall and crawlspace pipes freeze and how to protect yours.
Mark Datskiy · 5 min read
Read the guideRelated services
Frozen pipe repair
Frozen or split pipes during a cold snap? We thaw them safely and repair any damage.
Learn moreRepiping
Old, leaky or corroded pipes replaced with durable new lines, planned to cause minimal mess.
Learn moreLeak detection and repair
Hidden leaks waste water and rot your home. We find the exact spot, fix it, and test it.
Learn moreWhere we respond
Pick your county to see the cities we serve.
No match. Call us and we will confirm your address.
