When a burst pipe is an emergency
Any pipe that is spraying, pouring or rapidly dripping is an emergency. Close the main water valve, usually near the meter where the line enters the basement, then open a faucet on the lowest floor to drain the lines. Call our 24/7 dispatch, and the plumber will arrive for repair while you handle the cleanup basics.
Do this while you wait
- Shut off the mainTurn the valve clockwise until it stops.
- Cut the power to wet areasTurn off breakers for wet rooms if you can reach the panel safely, and stay out of standing water near outlets.
- Open the lowest tapThis drains remaining water from the pipes.
- Move belongingsLift rugs, boxes and electronics from the wet area.
- Take photosCapture the break and the damage before cleanup for insurance.
Frozen pipes and what happens when they thaw
New England winters push cold into exterior walls, crawlspaces and unheated garages. Water expands when it freezes, and the pipe splits where ice builds pressure. The split often goes unnoticed until the ice melts and water pours out.
If a pipe is frozen but has not burst, open the faucet and warm it slowly with a hair dryer or heating pad. Never use an open flame. If the pipe is already split, shut off the water first. Our leak detection service helps when the break is hidden in a wall.
Why pipes burst besides freezing
| Cause | Where it happens | Warning sign |
|---|---|---|
| Freezing | Exterior walls, crawlspaces, garages | Low flow in cold weather |
| Corrosion and age | Galvanized and old copper | Rust stains, pinhole leaks |
| High water pressure | Houses without a pressure regulator | Banging pipes, leaking fixtures |
| Joint failure | Old solder or push fittings | Dampness at fittings |
| Shifting soil or frost heave | Buried lines | Wet spots in the yard |
How we repair a burst pipe
- 1
Stop the water
We confirm the main is closed and isolate the damaged section.
- 2
Open and assess
We expose the break and check how far the damage runs.
- 3
Repair or replace
A cut-out and new section is common, and long damaged runs may need more.
- 4
Test and restore
We pressure test, restore water and advise on drying and cleanup.
If the burst reveals pipe that is failing everywhere, we talk about repiping so you are not back in a month. If the break is in the buried line between the street and the house, see water service line repair.
Cleanup, drying and your insurance claim
Water that is not dried within a day or two can grow mold in drywall and insulation. Restoration companies use dryers and moisture meters to dry structure. Ask your insurer which companies they work with, and keep receipts.
Many homeowner policies cover sudden burst-pipe damage. They may not cover freezing damage if the house was left unheated. We document the break and the repair, and you can share the notes with your adjuster.
Coastal and older-house burst pipe risks
Hull and North Cohasset homes face wind-driven cold off the water, and Hull's emergency plans note repeated nor'easters and coastal storms. Seasonal houses that are shut for winter can freeze when nobody is there. Hingham's older houses near the Harbor have uninsulated crawlspaces and old lines.
If you are leaving for the winter, ask us about winterizing, such as draining the lines and shutting off the main. The simplest protection is steady heat, insulation on exposed lines and a known location for the main valve.
What a burst pipe repair costs
Prices depend on where the break is and how much needs to open.
What moves the price
- LocationAn exposed basement pipe is quicker than a wall or slab.
- Pipe materialCopper, PEX and galvanized each use different parts and methods.
- Length of damageA single split is simple, while a freeze that hit several feet is longer.
- Access and repairsOpening finished walls adds work and later patching.
- After-hours timingEmergency calls outside business hours are priced for that.
Sudden pipe bursts are often covered by homeowner policies for the water damage, but the repair of the pipe itself may not be. Call your agent after the water is off.
Want the number for your house? Call (339) 216-9771 and describe what you see.
We respond to burst pipes in ZIP codes 02043, 02044, 02025, 02188, 02189, 02190, 02191, 02061 and 02045. If water is flowing now, close the main and call our 24/7 line.
An emergency repair can start before the permit is issued, but Hingham still requires the permit, and starting without one costs double the fee plus $150 according to the town.
Questions homeowners ask
Close the main water valve, open a low tap to drain the lines and call a plumber. Stay clear of water near outlets.
Yes. A burst pipe is exactly what our 24/7 line is for, including nights, weekends, holidays and storms. Close the main water valve and call right away.
It is usually in the basement near where the line enters the house, or at the meter. Locate it before an emergency.
Many policies cover the resulting water damage, but not always the pipe itself, and freeze damage can have conditions. Check your policy.
Yes. We can thaw it safely and check it for damage. Do not use open flame.
A simple split can be fixed in a few hours. Longer runs or hidden pipes take more time.