What to do when a pipe bursts
Stop the water before anything else
Speed limits the damage. These steps are in order.
- Close the main water shutoff, often a wheel or lever where the line enters the house or at the meter box.
- Switch off power to any wet area only if you can reach the panel dry.
- Open the lowest faucet to drain the lines and relieve pressure.
- Move valuables, rugs and electronics out of the water.
- Photograph the damage for insurance, then call the 24/7 line.
Why pipes burst in an Oklahoma cold snap
Water expands when it freezes. A frozen section blocks flow, and pressure builds between the ice and the closed faucet until the pipe splits. The split is often found only after the ice thaws.
Oklahoma winters swing. A mild week can be followed by a hard freeze, and the National Weather Service in Norman and the Oklahoma Mesonet publish the forecasts. Before one arrives, drip a faucet on exterior walls, open cabinet doors under sinks, disconnect hoses and insulate lines in garages and crawlspaces.
Repairs should follow the International Plumbing Code (IPC) as adopted in El Reno, and new PEX tubing should be marked to ASTM F876, the standard for cross-linked polyethylene tubing, so ask the plumber what pipe is going in.
What causes pipes to burst, besides freezing
| Cause | Clue | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Freezing | Cold snap, no water at one fixture | Thaw slowly, then replace the split section |
| High pressure | Banging pipes, repeated leaks | Pressure reducing valve |
| Corrosion | Pinholes and green stains | Spot repair or repiping |
| Water hammer | Loud knock when a valve closes | Arrestors and secured pipe |
| Damage | Nail, drill or shifting soil | Replace the damaged section |
Water on the floor?
Close the main valve and call the 24/7 line. A plumber can be scheduled the same day when available.
How the repair goes
Isolate
The plumber confirms the water is off and finds the damaged section.
Repair
Burst or split pipe is cut out and replaced with new pipe and fittings.
Test
The line is pressure tested before walls or floors are closed.
Advise
You hear whether other sections are at risk of the same failure.
Drying out and documenting
Standing water soaks into drywall and flooring within hours. Ask your insurer whether they require a restoration contractor, and keep receipts. Dry the area quickly, open doors and windows if weather allows, and run fans.
Check whether your policy covers sudden pipe bursts, which many do, and ask whether freeze damage carries conditions such as keeping the house heated.
What affects the cost of burst pipe repair
Burst pipe questions
Yes. The line is answered 24/7, including holidays. Close the main valve first, then call. A licensed plumber is scheduled the same day when one is available.
Common spots are near the water heater, in a utility closet, in the garage, or at the meter box by the street. Find it before an emergency and label it.
A hair dryer on low, used gently from the faucet toward the frozen part, is the safest method. Never use an open flame. If you cannot find the frozen section, call a plumber.
A single accessible split can take a few hours. Pipes inside walls, ceilings or slabs take longer. The plumber should tell you when the price is given.
Many policies cover the sudden water damage, but conditions apply. Ask your agent, photograph everything and keep your plumber's invoice.
Related services
Hidden leak
Leak detection finds slow leaks behind walls.
Service line
A yard that is flooding may be a water line repair.
Replace aging pipe
Repiping ends a pattern of failures.