Emergencies
What to Do When a Pipe Bursts
Updated · Kestrel editorial
1. Find the main shutoff
In most Northern Colorado homes it's where the water line enters, often in the basement or crawlspace near the meter. Turn a round handle clockwise or a lever a quarter turn.
2. Drain the lines
Open the lowest faucet in the house to relieve pressure and empty the pipes.
3. Stay safe
Switch off breakers for wet rooms if you can reach the panel without standing in water.
4. Document
Photos and video before cleanup help any insurance claim.
5. Get it fixed
A plumber repairs the pipe and the cause. See burst and frozen pipe repair.
After the water is off
A plumber cuts out the split section and replaces it, then checks the same run for other freeze damage, since cold snaps often split more than one spot. Water that soaked drywall, insulation or a finished basement needs drying with moisture readings; fans alone often miss wet wall cavities and carpet pad.
What to Do When a Pipe Bursts: follow-up questions
Where do pipes burst most often in Northern Colorado homes?
In exterior walls, unheated garages, crawl spaces and at hose bibs and sprinkler connections, where cold air reaches the pipe during an arctic front.
Is a burst pipe covered by insurance?
Sudden bursts are commonly covered, but damage from a pipe that froze in an unheated or vacant home may be excluded. Check your policy.
Every home differs; editorial standards.