When a burst pipe is an emergency
A burst pipe is always urgent. A split in a half inch line can release a lot of water in an hour, and it soaks insulation, drywall and flooring faster than most people expect.
Do these steps in order, and call us while you do them. We offer same-day appointments when available, and the line is open at night and on weekends.
- Shut the main valve. It is usually where the water line enters the house, often in a basement, utility room or garage. Turn it clockwise until it stops.
- Open the lowest faucet. Draining the lines relieves pressure and lets the leaking section empty out.
- Turn off the water heater. Switch off the breaker or set a gas unit to pilot so the tank is not heating with a drained system.
- Keep clear of electricity. Stay away from wet outlets and fixtures, and switch off a circuit at the panel only if the panel is dry.
- Take photos, then start removing water. Pictures help with an insurance claim, and towels, a mop or a wet vacuum slow the damage.
Know where your shutoff is before you need it
In January 2024, Missouri American Water crews responded to 16 water main breaks in a single day, and one local plumber reported over 180 calls in a day. The advice repeated in that coverage was simple: know where your shutoff is.
Walk to your main valve today and turn it a quarter turn to be sure it moves. Tape a tag to it so a guest or a family member can find it. If the valve is stuck or leaks around the stem, tell us, because a valve that fails in an emergency turns a repair into a flood.
Frozen pipes, thawing and why they burst
Ice does not usually split a pipe where it forms. Trapped water between the ice and a closed faucet builds pressure, and the pipe gives way at its weakest point. Many pipes burst when they thaw, because the split opens and water starts flowing again.
If a faucet runs only a trickle in cold weather, you may have a frozen section. Open the faucet, shut the main valve if you see any wetness, and warm the pipe slowly with a hair dryer or a heating pad. Never use a torch or open flame.
- Start thawing at the faucet end and work back toward the frozen section.
- Keep the faucet open so melting water has somewhere to go.
- Stop and call if you cannot reach the pipe, or if you see a bulge or crack.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls during hard freezes.
A plumber is on the 24/7 line now. Call as soon as the main valve is closed.
Call (855) 575-2890What the repair involves
Once the water is off, we find the split and check how far the damage runs. A small section of copper or PEX can be cut out and replaced. If the pipe is corroded or has frozen in several places, replacing a longer run is the better repair, and we explain why before we do it.
| Situation | Usual repair | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Single split in good pipe | Cut out the section and splice in new pipe | Quick and keeps the rest of the line |
| Several splits after a hard freeze | Replace the affected run | Other weak spots tend to fail next |
| Burst in an old galvanized line | Replace a longer section or plan a repipe | Corroded pipe will not hold a clean repair |
| Burst in a wall or ceiling | Open a small access, repair and patch | The cut is sized to reach the pipe, no more |
If the line keeps failing in different spots, the pipe may be at the end of its life. That is a conversation about repiping, and we will tell you plainly whether a patch makes sense. Wet drywall and insulation should be dried or removed, which is outside our scope, and we can point you to the next step.
What affects the price of a burst pipe repair
A burst pipe repair is priced by how much pipe has to be replaced and how hard it is to reach. We give a clear price before work starts, after we have seen the damage.
Many homeowner policies cover sudden pipe bursts and not slow leaks. Ask your insurer, and keep photos and any damaged materials until the claim is settled.
Hazelwood winters and how deep the cold goes
The city lists a frost depth of 30 inches and a winter design temperature of 2 degrees F. Those numbers matter for your pipes. Anything above that depth, including a water service line that was laid shallow, can freeze in a hard cold snap, and a garage or crawl space pipe has even less protection.
Before a freeze, insulate exposed pipes, disconnect outdoor hoses and let a faucet drip on the coldest nights. If the break is on the line between the meter and the house, see water line repair and replacement. Plumbing permits in Hazelwood run through St. Louis County, and we handle that paperwork when a repair needs one. We also serve Bridgeton and the other nearby towns from the same line.
Replacement water pipe is typically PEX made to ASTM F876 and F877, copper tube made to ASTM B88, or CPVC made to ASTM D2846, and drinking water pipe and fittings should be certified to NSF/ANSI 61. Ask which material and standard your repair uses.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. The line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays. Call, tell us where the water is coming from, and close the main valve while we schedule the visit. We offer same-day appointments when available.
Close the main shutoff valve, open the lowest faucet to drain the lines, and keep away from wet electrical items. Then call us.
Ice can hold a split closed. When it melts, water flows through the crack. That is why frozen pipes often show their damage during a thaw, and why you should shut the water off if a pipe has frozen.
Sometimes. Open the faucet and warm the pipe slowly with a hair dryer or heating pad. Never use a torch. If you see a crack, a bulge or water, shut the main and call.
Call right away and say so. If the meter box has a utility valve, Missouri American Water at 866-430-0820 can tell you how they handle it. Do not force a valve that is leaking at the stem.
No. We repair the pipe and restore water service. Drying, drywall and flooring are separate trades, and your insurer may direct you to a mitigation company.
Questions about your situation? A licensed plumber is on the line any hour.
Call (855) 575-2890