A burst pipe spewing out water is the kind of home emergency that turns a quiet weekend into a chaotic one in about ten seconds flat. One minute you're making coffee, the next you hear a weird sound and there is water spreading around your home fast. And if you are a resident of Woodstock, Georgia, you will also have the extra fun in the midst of this emergency of figuring out whether you are on the city water system or get your water from a well. Is the shut-off for the system in the yard, a crawlspace, or behind a panel in the garage? Perhaps it's even hidden in plain sight?
This is a guide for what you should do in this situation. It is meant to be a practical guide, not a theoretical one. It doesn't contain a bunch of blindingly obvious suggestions like “consider calling a professional.” You might still end up calling a plumber, but first you want to consider how you can stop the water and prevent further damage to your home. Let's get started.
Don't panic – Do this instead
First things first – don't panic. Instead try to slow the damage while you locate the shut-off tap. If the water in your house is flowing out of a pipe near an electrical outlet or a wall with appliances you need to treat electricity as the immediate danger. If you can safely reach the breaker panel without walking through any water, then do so and turn off the power to the affected area. Alternatively, turn off the main breaker. If you cannot safely reach it, then leave this for the minute and focus your attention on shutting off the water.
After this start moving anything that will get ruined quickly. Prioritize valuable items, be they economically valuable or emotionally. Think laptops, old photos (the printed kind, if you still have them), kids' stuff, the rug your grandmother gave you, and so forth. You are not “saving the house” yet. Think of it as buying yourself a little breathing room as you try to sort the wider problem. Then move on to doing the following:
Step 1: Identify what kind of burst pipe you are actually dealing with
Pipes burst in different ways. This matters because it changes how urgently you need to act and also how you should respond. Sometimes it is a full rupture, such as a split pipe that is leaking water at speed. That is a situation where you need a full main shut-off. Other times it will be a supply line that is leaking under a sink, behind a toilet, or from the inlet to a washing machine. That can still flood a room if left to its own devices, but it will do so slower. You should use that time to shut off the fixture valve first. It will be easier to do this if you already know where it is located. But if you don't know where it is, or the valve is stuck or corroded, just go straight to the main water shut-off and use that.
Occasionally what people are referring to when they say they have a “burst pipe” is actually a fancy thing called a water heater relief valve dumping out water into their home. Or it could just be a backed-up drain or overflowing toilet. Those are emergencies too, albeit different ones. If the water is clean and is coming out fast, as though there is pressure behind it, then it is likely that it is coming out of a supply pipe or inlet. If the water is dirty and pours out slowly, then its a drain or sewer issue. If you are not certain, just treat it like a burst supply line and shut off the water to avoid having to try and un-soak your drywall later on.
Step 2: Shut off the water at the closest valve
If it's clear that the leak is connected to a specific sink, toilet or appliance like the dishwasher, look for the shut-off valve. Under a sink, it is usually a chrome valve that will be sticking out of the wall or the floor. With toilets the valve is usually low down on the wall behind the unit. In the case of washing machines, they typically have two different valves in a box or behind the unit.
Once you have found the relevant valve turn it clockwise to close it. Hopefully the water stops at that point. If the valve does not turn easily, don't crank it so hard that you risk snapping it. Old valves are always breaking and if you snap it by applying too much pressure then you have two problems instead of one. If it is very stiff when you try to turn it off, move on and shut off the main instead. If you shut off a valve to a unit and the water doesn't stop, i.e. it only slows down, well then you may have more than one failed line. Alternatively, the valve might not be sealing. Again, go to the main if this happens.
Step 3: Find and shut off your main water valve (the override switch)
Shutting off the main water valve stops any problem in its tracks.In the average home in Woodstock, the main shutoff valve is typically located in the garage near the front wall; the basement or crawlspace near where the line enters the house; in a utility closet; or outside near the foundation. If you are on the municipal water system, you will almost certainly also have a meter box near the street with a shutoff.
If the main shut-off is inside, it is typically either a lever-style valve or a round wheel one – in plain English that means you either turn it like a door handle or twist it like a bottle top. If it is a lever, turn it a quarter turn until it is perpendicular to the pipe. If it's parallel it means it's open. You need to get it to perpendicular to close it. If it is a wheel, turn it clockwise until the water stops. These can require more turns and sometimes they are stiffer than a lever valve. As a result, you might have to turn it and then go and check to see if the water flow where the pipe has burst has actually stopped. If it is still blasting out water, you may need the street valve to be shut off.
Once you have shut this off, go and open a faucet at the very lowest point of the house, like a sink in the basement or an exterior tap in the yard. This is so that you can relieve pressure and drain the remaining water out of the system. There may still be some water coming out for a minute or two as the system depressurizes. This is normal, so don't panic if it's happening.
If shutting off the interior valve doesn't work (for instance if it's broken), you will need to shut off the main meter outside. In many neighborhoods in Woodstock, the water meter will be in a rectangular box near the curb. You might need a flat-head screwdriver or some other tool to remove the lid and get at the valve. Inside you will see a meter and a valve. Turn that valve off with a quarter turn, similar to a lever, though the exact amount of torque depends on the meter box. If it is stiff, a meter key will help.
If you have trouble finding the meter box, look for a sunken rectangle in the grass near the sidewalk. Alternatively it could be covered by mulch or leaves. If you live in a townhouse or in a newer community meters might be grouped with those of your neighbors. If you still can't find your meter go back inside and focus on damage control while you call a plumber.
Finally, if you are on a private well, your main shut-off might be a valve near the pressure tank, but the fastest way to stop water from flowing in this instance is very often to just turn off the power source for the pump at the breaker. As with the other methods, some water might continue to flow briefly if you still have some water in the pressure tank and lines.
Because well systems vary a lot in how they are set up, it might be best to consult with professionals. You can find local emergency plumbing services that can assist you here.
Step 4: Turn off the water heater
It's easy to forget about the water heater. After you have turned the main water off, the water heater becomes a potential problem if it keeps running while the system is depressurized. If you have an electric water heater, you can switch it off at the main power breaker. If you have a gas water heater, turn the gas control switch to “pilot” or “off,” The main idea here is to prevent the unit from heating up without a proper amount of water flowing through it as this will burn the unit.
Step 5: Contain the water and start drying, even before the plumber arrives
Once the flow of water has been stopped, every spare minute still matters because the longer your possessions are soaked the worse things will be later on. Start by getting the water off the floors. This is all common sense. Put down some towels or mop up the pools of water. Pull rugs away and do not allow moisture to become trapped underneath.
Drywall is basically a sponge with paper on both sides, so if water has hit this, tackle the problem immediately. Fans help, as do dehumidifiers. Professional drying equipment is often needed in the long run. If the leak was overhead, look out for sagging ceilings. Do not stand under a bulging roof. A drywall can fail suddenly, so if you see a bubble, put a bucket under it and call a plumber. In some cases you can consider carefully puncturing the lowest point of the bubble in order to let it drain into a container, but only do this if you are sure that there is no electrical hazard above. Water and electricity don't go well together!
Step 6: Take photos and notes, even if you feel silly doing it
If the damage is more than a small puddle of water, take some quick photos and consider recording a short video. You need shots of where the pipe burst, as well as the rooms affected and any damaged items within them. Also note down the time that you first discovered the leak and what course of action you took, like shutting off the main valve and turning off the water heater. All of this will help for any insurance claims that arise later on. Clear, simple proof of what happened is ideal.
Step 7: Call a local plumber
At this point, you have done everything that you can to stop the leak and limit the damage. Now you need to have it repaired properly. Ideally you want someone who is going to be honest with you about what needs to be done. If you live in the Woodstock area, Plumb N Plumber is based at 2449 E Cherokee Dr, Woodstock, GA 30188. We serve Cherokee County and the greater North Atlanta suburbs. Since the company was establishment in 2014, we have grown from just one guy with a truck into multiple teams that handle everything from pipe repairs to water heater issues, drain cleaning, and even site excavation when the problem is outside or underground.
The team is headed by Matthew LoPiccolo, a Master Plumber (MP210628), along with an experienced crew of both journeymen and apprentices. If you have ever had a plumber show up and start guessing what the problem might be then you know how important experience is when it comes to home plumbing. A burst pipe can be a straightforward issue, but it can also sometimes be a symptom of a bigger problem like poor installation, corrosion, or shifting soil.
We operate Monday through Friday from 08:00 AM to 07:00 PM. You can reach out to us by phone, email or through our online contact form. If you are dealing with an active emergency and the water is still on, tell us that as soon as you get through. If you have already shut the water off, tell us where you think the break in the pipes is, as it will no longer be obvious after the water stops flowing.
Step 8: Do not turn the water back on “just to see”
The temptation is always there to turn the water back on “just to see” if the problem has been fixed. This is where people accidentally double the damage that has already been inflicted. If you have confirmed that a pipe is burst and you shut the supply off, then leave it off. Turning it back on will refill the pipes. The problem won't have magically fixed itself, and turning the valve back can turn a small spill into a bigger problem. It can also further rupture the pipe.
If you absolutely must restore the flow of water briefly to fill a toilet tank or for a medical need, do so only after you have isolated the broken section. Most homes are not set up for easy isolation of this kind unless you have a manifold system or very accessible valves for specific sections. Thus, you want to try and avoid this. If in doubt, keep it turned off and use bottled water when you get thirsty. It is inconvenient, but ultimately it's a temporary annoyance, whereas flood damage will be with you for years.
What usually causes burst pipes in Woodstock homes?
In north Georgia, freezing conditions can lead to burst pipes during cold snaps, especially when it comes to pipes located in crawlspaces, exterior walls, garages, and other poorly insulated areas. Even a short spell of freezing weather can lead to issues if water is sitting exposed in a vulnerable line. Aged and corroded pipes are another common cause of leaks, especially in older homes where there can be galvanized piping or ones made out of aging copper that has been stressed for decades by sheer water chemistry. Equally, bad fittings or a poor-quality repair job in the past can all be causes of burst pipes down the line.
Spikes in pressure in the water system can also be sneaky causes of leaks. For instance, if your home water pressure is simply too high, it stresses the supply lines and puts pressure on the valves and appliances. If you call out a plumber they can test for this quickly and recommend a method of reducing the pressure on the valves where appropriate. On top of this, there are the random accidents that can occur. A nail might have been accidentally hit into a pipe during a remodel, or a cracked washing machine hose might finally give up during a period when the system comes under strain. It happens – call a plumber if you need to.
After the repair work is done, do these two quick prevention upgrades
A burst pipe is far from the moment to start a whole slew of renovations in your house. But it is a good time to consider making a couple of minor changes that will reduce risk going forward. Firstly, ask your plumber about replacing some of the old shut-off valves and supply lines in the part of the house where the problem arose, especially braided hoses in the toilets and sinks, or the washing machine hoses. These are cheap to replace comparative to the damage they can ultimately cause.
Secondly, consider adding an accessible main shut-off upgrade if your current shut-off is in a bad location or is stiff when you try to fully close it. Some homeowners like to add smart leak detectors and automatic shut-off valves, which can be an excellent means of avoiding excessive damage if a leak starts while you are away from home. Whether that makes sense for you will depend on your home layout and budget, as well as your personal circumstances, but it is worth considering. Always ask your plumber if they agree with these measures before proceeding.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What are the first things I should dowhen a pipe bursts in my home?
Well, first off, don't panic. If water is spraying near electrical outlets, turn off the power to the affected area. Only do this if you are sure it is safe. Water will damage things. Electricity can kill you. Then, move any valuables like laptops, family photos and kids' items away from the water to minimize damage while you go in search of the shut-off valve.
How can I identify which type of pipe burst I'm dealing with?
If water is blasting out everywhere, you are dealing with a major leak and you need to shut off the main water supply as soon as possible. Smaller leaks are ones which come from supply lines under sinks or behind toilets and appliances. If the water is coming out slow and is dirty, it's most likely a drainage or sewer issue. When you are unsure, treat it as though it is a supply-line leak and shut off the main water valve.
Where can I find the shut-off valves for different fixtures?
Shut-off valves for appliances, sinks and so forth are usually located near the appliance or fixture itself. For instance, they might be under a sink or behind a toilet. Turn these valves clockwise to close them and stop the water flowing. If they don't turn easily or the water doesn't stop, proceed to shut off the main water valve to the house.
Where is the main water shut-off valve typically located in Woodstock homes?
In homes built in the Woodstock area, the main shut-off valve is commonly found in the garage near the front wall, or in basements or crawlspaces near where the main line enters the house. Alternatively it can be outside near the foundation. There may even be a meter box near the street with a shut-off valve. It's best to know where this is right now, before you ever have a leak.
How do I operate a main shut-off valve inside the house?
Interior main shut-offs are usually either lever-style ball valves or round-wheel gate valves. For lever valves, turn it about a quarter turn so that it sits perpendicular to the pipe. This means it is closed. For wheel valves, turn it clockwise until it stops moving or you meet resistance. If turning it hasn't stopped the water flowing where the pipe is burst, you may need to use the street meter shut-off or consider calling a plumber.
How do I shut off water at the meter box near the street?
Locate the rectangular meter box. You might need a flathead screwdriver or some other tool to open the box. Inside it you will find a valve similar to a lever that typically turns a quarter turn to close. Sometimes it will be quite stiff. If this is the case, use any available tool to cautiously turn it off and stop the water.
