Feb 18,2025

What to Do When Your Plumbing Pipes Burst from the Cold

Winter can be harsh on your plumbing, causing frozen pipes and bursts. If you ignore proper pipe repair and maintenance in Los Angeles, CA, it can lead to significant water damage and costly broken line replacement emergencies. With cold months ahead, knowing what to do when your plumbing lines freeze or burst is crucial. At Rooter Man, we provide comprehensive pipe repair services, equipping you with vital information to maintain an efficient system. Here’s what to do when your plumbing lines break because of the cold and how to prevent it from happening.

Turn Off the Water Supply

When dealing with a broken plumbing line, turn off the main water supply to prevent further damage. The main supply valve is usually in the basement or near the water meter. If you are unsure where the valve is located in your property, call a plumber for professional assistance. Unlike untrained individuals, professional plumbers have experience dealing with different systems, ensuring seamless pipe repair services.

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Locate the Burst Line

Once you turn off the main water supply valve, locate the damaged pipe. Look for water gushing out, wet spots on your surfaces, or the sound of running water, as these are signs you need a professional broken pipe replacement. If you can’t locate the damaged line, call a plumber to handle the heavy lifting. Professionals leverage extensive knowledge and experience to inspect, detect, diagnose, and fix underlying issues before they get out of hand.

Mop the Water

The next step is to mop the water to prevent further damage. Use a bucket, mop, and towels to clean up the site before the plumber arrives. If the water has seeped into the walls and ceiling, the technician may drill holes to prevent buildup, mold, and structural deterioration. Burst piping is a serious problem that requires immediate attention to prevent devastating damage and costly repiping emergencies.

Start Repairs

After mopping the affected area to expose the damaged line, the plumber will inspect, diagnose, and recommend the most effective solutions. While minor issues can be fixed with simple repairs, severe damage calls for a complete broken pipe replacement. Professionals leverage trenchless technology to provide innovative and long-lasting solutions like pipe lining. This entails installing a resin-coated liner and curing it to replace the damaged pipe.

Call Your Insurance Company

Sometimes, the damage caused by a burst pipe is significant, and you may need your insurance company to step in. If your homeowners' insurance can cover the cost of repairs or repiping, take photos of the damage and keep receipts of costs you incur during cleanup. Insurance providers can use this information to compensate for your loss, giving you peace of mind.

Plumbing emergencies can happen at any time, compromising your home’s safety and functionality. While minor leaks can go undetected for long periods, a burst pipe is easily noticed and calls for quick intervention. Contact us at Rooter Man and schedule a consultation with our experts to address broken pipes before they disrupt your routine. We leverage extensive expertise to provide quality trenchless solutions, including pipe lining and bursting, at competitive market rates.