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Frozen or burst pipe.

A licensed plumber should make the repair and run the pressure test before the system goes back in service.

Customers put it like this

  • No water after the cold snap
  • A pipe burst in the wall
  • Water is pouring through the ceiling
  • The pipe froze near the outside wall
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Stop first if

  • Water has reached a panel, outlets or light fixturesStay out of the water. Call the electric utility or a licensed electrician before anyone goes in.
  • Water is flooding the spaceClose the closest valve or the main only if it can be done without risk. Otherwise leave the area and call for help.
  • A wet floor feels soft, or framing looks damagedKeep people off it. Have a qualified structural repair person look before work goes on.
01

Ask on the call

6

Homeowner? These are the questions a good technician will ask you. Having the answers ready makes the first visit count.

  1. Is water running now, and has the main been shut?
  2. Do you know where the main shutoff is?
  3. Which pipes are affected: outside wall, slab, or another cold spot?
  4. What is the pipe made of?
  5. Has anyone tried to thaw it, and how?
  6. Is the heat on, or has the building been empty?
02

Bring

5
  • Pressure test gauge
  • Moisture meter
  • Thermal camera if available
  • Flashlight
  • Pipe and fittings, matched after the material is identified
03

Check on site

6
  1. Confirm the main or section valve is closed. Curb valves stay with the water utility where local rules say so.
  2. Map cold-exposed runs and any section where water sat trapped against a closed valve or fixture.
  3. Inspect joints and manifolds as well as the pipe. They can open even when the pipe looks fine.
  4. Look for wet insulation in outside wall and ceiling cavities.
  5. Wait until freezing conditions end. A licensed plumber then pressure tests before service returns.
  6. Take moisture readings before anything is closed up. Compare with a known dry reference.
04

Keep on the record

5
  • Photos of the split or opened joint before repair
  • Map of affected runs and valves
  • Pressure test reading and date
  • Moisture readings at each cavity
  • Notes on any thawing method used

General guidance for a qualified person, not a finding about any home. The person on site decides.