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When a pipe bursts in your home, every second counts. We’ve seen it all in our 35+ years serving Northern Pittsburgh, from frozen pipes that gave way during those brutal winter cold snaps to corroded lines that finally decided they’d had enough. And here’s what we’ve learned: what you do in those first five minutes can mean the difference between a manageable repair and thousands of dollars in water damage.
Let’s walk through exactly what to do when you’re facing a burst pipe emergency.
Stop the water at its source. Your main water shut-off valve is typically located in your basement, crawl space, or near your water heater. In many Pittsburgh-area homes, you’ll find it where the main line enters your house.
Turn the valve clockwise until it stops. If you have a lever-style valve, turn it perpendicular to the pipe.
Pro tip from the Terry’s team: If you’re reading this before an emergency happens, take five minutes right now to locate your main shut-off valve. Show everyone in your household where it is. Trust us, you don’t want to be searching for it while water is spraying across your kitchen.
Water and electricity don’t mix, and we’ve seen too many homeowners put themselves at risk by wading through water near electrical outlets or appliances.
If the burst pipe is near any electrical outlets, appliances, or your electrical panel, shut off the electricity to that area at your breaker box. If there’s standing water near your electrical panel, don’t approach it, call an electrician immediately and evacuate the area.
This might seem counterintuitive, but hear us out. Opening all the faucets in your home, both hot and cold, relieves pressure in your plumbing system and helps drain any remaining water in the pipes.
Start with the faucets closest to the burst pipe, then work your way through the rest of the house. Don’t forget outdoor spigots if it’s not freezing outside. This step minimizes additional water damage and helps prevent other weakened areas from bursting.
Now that the water is off and the pressure is relieved, it’s time to minimize the damage:
If you can safely identify where the pipe burst, take a photo. This helps your plumber (and your insurance company) assess the situation more quickly.
Here’s where our 35+ years of experience comes in handy. While you’ve been handling the immediate crisis, you need a professional plumber on the way and fast.
We serve the Northern Pittsburgh region and understand the unique challenges our local homes face, from aging infrastructure in older neighborhoods to the impact of our harsh winters on plumbing systems.
When you call, let us know:
We’ll get someone to you as quickly as possible to assess the damage, make repairs and help prevent this from happening again.
Once the immediate crisis is handled, there’s more work to do:
Document everything. Take photos and videos of all water damage for insurance purposes. The more documentation you have, the smoother your claim will go.
Dry out affected areas thoroughly. Mold can start growing within 24-48 hours in damp conditions. Use fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows to promote air circulation. For extensive water damage, you may need professional water restoration services.
Inspect for hidden damage. Water has a way of traveling through walls, under floors, and into places you can’t easily see. A thorough inspection by a professional can identify problems before they get worse.
Consider the cause. Did your pipe burst because of freezing temperatures? Corrosion? High water pressure? Understanding why it happened helps prevent future emergencies. Our team can assess your entire plumbing system and make recommendations to protect your home going forward.
As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. And nowhere is that truer than with your home’s plumbing.
Here in Pittsburgh, we deal with temperature swings that can be hard on pipes. During winter, insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, and garages. Let faucets drip during extreme cold snaps, that small stream of water can prevent freezing.
Keep your home heated to at least 55 degrees, even when you’re away. And if you’re planning to be gone for an extended period during winter, consider shutting off your main water supply and draining your pipes.
Regular maintenance matters too. Have your plumbing system inspected periodically, especially if you live in an older home. We can spot warning signs, like corrosion or weakened pipes, before they become emergencies.
A burst pipe is stressful, no question about it. But with the right response and the right plumber on your side, you can minimize the damage and get your home back to normal quickly.
At Terry’s Plumbing, we’ve been handling plumbing emergencies for over 35 years. We’re a family-owned business with deep roots in the Pittsburgh community, and we treat every home like it’s our own. When you call us, you’re getting more than just a plumber, you’re getting a neighbor who cares about your home as much as you do.
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