Burst pipe and plumbing leak cleanup

Do this right away

Close the main water shutoff. In most Westchester houses it is on the basement or crawl space wall where the water line enters, near the meter. If you cannot find it, the shutoff at the street is the water company's to operate, so call them. Turn off the water heater if the leak is near it. If water has reached outlets, cords or the panel, stay out of that area and call your utility or an electrician to cut power.

• Close the main water shutoff
• Keep clear of wet electrical areas
• Photograph the pipe, the water and every damaged room
• Move valuables and furniture out of the water if safe
• Call a plumber for the pipe and request a restoration contractor for the damage

Why pipes burst here

Westchester winters bring regular nights well below freezing. Pipes in exterior walls, unheated garages, crawl spaces, attics and under kitchen sinks on outside walls are most at risk. Water expands as it freezes and pressure builds between the ice and a closed faucet, so the split often happens away from the frozen spot. Many burst pipes are found when the weather warms and the ice melts, which is why the water seems to appear all at once.

Not every pipe leak is about cold. Washing machine hoses, toilet supply lines, dishwasher connections and old water heaters fail year round. Water heater tanks usually last around a decade, so an older tank in a finished basement is worth watching.

Cleanup after the pipe is fixed

Water from a supply line is clean when it leaves the pipe, which helps. But it runs into wall cavities, under flooring and through ceilings to the floor below. A restoration contractor will find the edges of the wet area with a moisture meter, remove what cannot be dried, set drying equipment and track readings until the structure is back to normal. Acting within the first day or two gives you the best chance of avoiding mold.

Insurance and burst pipes

Many homeowners policies cover sudden and accidental water damage from a burst pipe, according to Fixr's guide on the subject, while the cost of fixing the pipe itself is often not covered. Damage from neglect, continuous leaks or poor maintenance is generally excluded. Check your own policy with your insurer, report the loss promptly and keep the broken pipe section if the plumber removes it.

After the cleanup

Once the house is dry, ask the plumber whether other pipes in the same wall or crawl space are at risk. A pipe that froze once will likely freeze again unless it is insulated, rerouted or kept warmer.

Typical cleanup costs after a pipe leak

National figures. The plumbing repair is priced separately by the plumber.

National figures, rounded, not quotes. Your price depends on how far the water spread and what has to be rebuilt.

Sources: Fixr, water damage restoration; Fixr, burst pipes and insurance