What to Do When Pipes Burst in Your Home BP

You hear the sound first. Water rushing where it should not be, or a spreading puddle in the basement or utility room. For Des Moines homeowners, a burst pipe is one of the most stressful home emergencies you can face. Water can damage flooring, walls, electrical systems, and personal belongings in minutes. Knowing what to do when a pipe bursts can make a major difference in how much damage occurs and how quickly your home can recover.

This guide walks you through the exact steps to take, explains why pipes burst in Iowa homes, and outlines how to prevent it from happening again. Schaal Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling has served the Des Moines community for over 80 years, and our team is available around the clock to help homeowners through plumbing emergencies.

Immediate Action Checklist: The First Five Minutes

When a pipe bursts, every minute counts. Taking the right steps immediately helps limit water damage and keeps your household safe.

First, shut off the main water supply. This is the most important step. In many Des Moines homes, the main shutoff is located in the basement, crawlspace, or near the water meter. Turning off the water stops additional flooding and gives you control of the situation.

Next, turn off the electricity if water is near outlets, appliances, or the electrical panel. Go to the breaker box and shut off power to affected areas to reduce the risk of electric shock.

Then, drain the plumbing system. Open all cold and hot water faucets to release remaining pressure and allow trapped water to drain safely. This helps reduce continued leaking from the damaged pipe.

Finally, call for professional help. Contact Schaal Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling at (515) 207-6042 for emergency plumbing response. Knowing what to do when a pipe bursts includes calling a licensed plumber who can make safe, permanent repairs.

Assess the Damage and Document Everything

Once the immediate risk is under control, take time to assess the situation if it is safe to do so. Try to locate the source of the burst pipe. Common locations include exterior walls, under sinks, in basements, or near unheated areas of the home.

Before cleanup begins, document the damage. Take photos and videos of standing water, damaged materials, and the burst pipe itself. This documentation is important for homeowners' insurance claims and helps ensure nothing is overlooked.

Make a list of damaged items such as furniture, electronics, flooring, drywall, or personal belongings. Clear records can make the claims process smoother and faster.

The Iowa Factor: Why Pipes Burst in Des Moines

Understanding why pipes burst helps homeowners recognize warning signs and take prevention seriously. In Iowa winters, frozen pipes are the most common cause. When water freezes, it expands. That expansion builds pressure inside the pipe until it cracks or splits open.

Pipes in exterior walls, basements, garages, and unheated spaces are especially vulnerable. Sudden cold snaps in Des Moines can catch homeowners off guard, even when the rest of the plumbing system seems fine.

Warning signs of freezing include reduced water flow, unusual clanging or knocking sounds, or visible frost on exposed pipes. If you notice these signs, acting quickly may prevent a burst. Knowing what to do when a pipe bursts often starts with understanding how freezing leads to failure.

What to Do After the Emergency Repair

After the burst pipe is repaired, cleanup and drying are critical. Standing water should be removed as soon as possible, and affected areas should be dried thoroughly to reduce the risk of mold growth.

Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need professional water restoration services. Even small leaks can leave moisture behind walls or under flooring. Addressing this early protects your home and indoor air quality.

This is also a good time to have the rest of your plumbing system inspected. A burst pipe can signal aging materials, insulation gaps, or pressure issues elsewhere in the home.

Prevention: How to Prevent Pipes From Bursting

Preventing future problems is just as important as handling the emergency. Learning how to prevent pipes from bursting helps protect your home long term.

Helpful prevention steps include:

• Insulating pipes in unheated areas such as basements, attics, and garages
• Disconnecting garden hoses before winter and shutting off exterior water lines
• Keeping the thermostat set to at least 55 degrees, even when away
• Allowing faucets to drip slightly during extreme cold
• Scheduling routine plumbing inspections to identify vulnerable pipes
• Opening cabinet doors so the heat can reach the pipes

Understanding how to prevent pipes from bursting reduces the risk of repeat emergencies and costly repairs.

Why Acting Fast Matters

A burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water in a short time. Acting quickly often makes the difference between a manageable repair and extensive home damage. Knowing what to do when a pipe bursts gives homeowners confidence during a stressful situation.

Schaal Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is committed to being there for Des Moines homeowners when emergencies happen. Our licensed plumbers respond quickly, explain the situation clearly, and work to restore safety and comfort as efficiently as possible.

Schaal Is Your Winter Plumbing Partner

Plumbing emergencies are never convenient, but you do not have to face them alone. Whether it happens in the middle of the night or during a holiday weekend, help is available.

If you are dealing with flooding or suspect a burst pipe, schedule online or call (515) 207-6042 to reach Schaal Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. Acting fast protects your home, your belongings, and your peace of mind.