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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.

(888) 840-6512Mold window: 48 hours

Emergency checklist

  1. Shut off main water supply immediately — a burst pipe releases 14+ gallons per minute

    ⚠ Know your shutoff location before winter each year

  2. Cut power to affected areas if water contacts outlets or appliances

    ⚠ Never enter standing water near electrical sources

  3. 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

  4. Video the burst location, water path, and all damaged materials before cleanup

    ⚠ Winter burst claims require documentation of sudden event

  5. Remove standing water with wet/dry vac if Category 1 and electrical safety confirmed

    ⚠ Water migrates into wall cavities behind cabinets and baseboards

  6. Call IICRC restoration — winter bursts often affect multiple rooms and require commercial drying

    ⚠ Consumer dehumidifiers cannot keep up with saturated structures in winter

Typical cost range

$1,500 – $10,000

Full cost breakdown

Mold growth timeline

Mold Growth Clock

What happens hour by hour after water damage

0h

elapsed

0h6h12h24h48h72h1wk
or click any marker
0h

Water Intrusion

lowHour 0

Water 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?
Yes — burst 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.
How to Replace a Main Shutoff Valve | Ask This Old House — This Old House walks through locating, operating and replacing the main water shutoff valve — the most important emergency skill for limiting water damage. Read the full guide →

Read the full guide: frozen pipes prevention emergency

(888) 840-6512