Emergency · Frozen Pipe Burst Emergency
Frozen Pipe Burst — Thaw and Dry Before Mold Starts
Frozen pipes release hundreds of gallons when they thaw. Shut off water, cut power, extract standing water, and start professional drying within the first hour. Call (888) 840-6512 to reach a certified water damage restoration company in your area; the line is answered 24/7.
Quick answer
A frozen pipe does its damage when it thaws, not when it freezes, so shut the main water off before you warm anything. Cut power to the affected rooms, open a tap to relieve pressure, and thaw slowly with warm air rather than a flame. What comes next is a drying job: hundreds of gallons into insulation, drywall and subfloor that will not dry on their own in a cold house. Typical $1,500–$10,000, with mold starting on wet material in about 48 hours. To get a crew and drying equipment moving tonight, (888) 840-6512, answered 24/7.
Press 1 for water damage or 2 for mold, then your 5-digit ZIP. The line goes quiet for about half a minute while it connects — that is normal, stay on. Have ready: the address with ZIP, when the water started, what is wet now, and whether you have opened an insurance claim.
The calls in order, and why: Who to call for a burst pipe
Emergency checklist
Shut off main water supply immediately — a burst pipe releases 14+ gallons per minute
⚠ Know your shutoff location before winter each year
Cut power to affected areas if water contacts outlets or appliances
⚠ Never enter standing water near electrical sources
Do NOT use open flame to thaw pipes — use hair dryer or heat lamp on exposed sections only
⚠ Open flame near frozen pipes causes fires and pipe damage
Video the burst location, water path, and all damaged materials before cleanup
⚠ Winter burst claims require documentation of sudden event
Remove standing water with wet/dry vac if Category 1 and electrical safety confirmed
⚠ Water migrates into wall cavities behind cabinets and baseboards
Call IICRC restoration — winter bursts often affect multiple rooms and require commercial drying
⚠ Consumer dehumidifiers cannot keep up with saturated structures in winter
Mold growth timeline
Mold Growth Clock
What happens hour by hour after water damage
0h
elapsed
Water Intrusion
lowHour 0Water enters the structure. Clock starts NOW.
Recommended Action
Shut off water source, move valuables off floor, begin documentation with photos/video.
Next milestone: Absorption Begins at 1 Hour
All Milestones
Frozen Pipe Burst Emergency FAQ
Are frozen pipe bursts covered by insurance?
YesBurst pipes from freezing are almost always covered as sudden and accidental damage. Some policies require you to maintain heat at 55°F+ or drain systems in vacant homes.
How do I prevent frozen pipes?
Insulate exposed pipes, seal drafts, keep heat at 55°F minimum, open cabinet doors under sinks, and let faucets drip during extreme cold. See our frozen pipes prevention guide.
Plumber or restoration company first?
Restoration first — they extract water and set drying equipment while coordinating pipe repair. Standing water causes more damage than the pipe itself.
Who do I call right now for water damage?
Call (888) 840-6512. The line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and connects you with an IICRC-certified water damage restoration company that serves your area. Describe what you can see — where the water is coming from, how long it has been there, and whether it smells — the more specific you are, the faster the right company is on the line.
If the source is a pipe or an appliance, shut the main water valve first. Have four things ready and the call goes quickly: the address, when the water started, what is wet now, and whether you have filed an insurance claim.
Still not sure which of these is your situation? (888) 840-6512 · toll-free · answered 24/7
Read the full guide: frozen pipes prevention emergency
(888) 840-6512