Burst pipe repair & cleanup in Sacramento, CA

What do I do in the first minutes?

Shut off the main water valve, switch off power to affected areas if you can do so safely, open a faucet at the lowest point to drain the line, and move valuables. Photograph the pipe and the damage before anything is cleaned or removed. Then call us. Water behind walls and under floors keeps spreading while the building is wet. Burst pipe cleanup begins as soon as the plumber has the line under control: we remove the water, then dry the walls and floors, because water damage from a burst pipe keeps spreading until the structure is dry.

Why do pipes burst?

Common causes include corrosion in aging galvanized and cast-iron systems, freezing in cold snaps, high water pressure, loose joints and failed supply lines. Polybutylene pipe, commonly installed from about 1978 to 1995, is known to fail internally without visible warning. In Sacramento valley homes freezing is uncommon; in foothill places such as Auburn, CA, it is more of a concern.

What does insurance usually say about burst pipes?

Sudden and accidental discharge from plumbing is often covered, while long-term seepage is commonly excluded. In Finn v. Continental Insurance (1990), a California court held that an exclusion for continuous or repeated leakage over weeks, months or years applied even though a sudden break in the pipe was part of the story. Read our burst pipe insurance guide.

What happens after the plumber?

Once the leak is stopped we remove water, set drying equipment and monitor moisture. Repairs to drywall, flooring and finishes follow when materials are dry. See structural drying.

Wondering about coverage? Read whether homeowners insurance covers burst pipes in California. For the first steps after the pipe is shut off, see what to do in the first 24 hours after water damage.

Burst pipe repair & cleanup: common questions