burst pipe

Burst & Frozen Pipe Repair in Homer Glen, IL

A frozen or split pipe can put a lot of water on the floor fast. Shut off the water, then get a licensed plumber out to repair the line.

Call (708) 555-0142

Request service

If a pipe just burst

Shut off the main water valve. It’s usually where the water line enters the basement, near the meter.
If water is near outlets, appliances or the electrical panel, stay out of the water and switch off power only if you can reach the panel safely.
Open a faucet on the lowest floor to drain the remaining pressure.
Move what you can, take photos for insurance, and call.

Signs of a frozen pipe

No water, or only a trickle, from one faucet during a cold snap
Frost on an exposed pipe
Pipes on exterior walls, in crawl spaces, garages or unheated rooms
Bulging or a visible split in the pipe

If a pipe is frozen but not split, keep the faucet open and warm the pipe gently with a hair dryer or space heater kept at a safe distance. Never use an open flame. If you can’t find or reach the frozen section, call a plumber.

Preventing it next winter

Insulate pipes on exterior walls, in crawl spaces and in the garage
Disconnect hoses and shut off and drain outdoor spigots in the fall
Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls during extreme cold
Keep the heat on when you travel, even if the house is empty

Common questions

Why do pipes burst when they freeze?

Ice expands inside the pipe and pressure builds between the ice and the closed faucet. The pipe usually splits where the pressure is highest, often not where the ice is.

Will insurance cover a burst pipe?

Many homeowner policies cover sudden water damage from a burst pipe but not damage from long-term leaks or neglect. Check your policy and document everything.

Where is my main shut-off valve?

In most basement homes it’s on the wall where the water line enters, near the water meter. Find it before you need it.

Get it looked at

Water spreading? Shut off the main valve, then call.