Burst Pipe Emergency: What to Do Right Now — Gwinnett County Homeowner Guide

Why Burst Pipes Are So Damaging

A burst supply line releases water at full household water pressure — typically 40 to 80 PSI — until the main valve is closed. At that flow rate, a single burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons in the time it takes most homeowners to find the shutoff. Water spreads laterally along floors, wicks up walls, and soaks into subfloor within minutes.

Step 1: Find and Turn Off Your Main Water Shutoff

Every Gwinnett County homeowner should know exactly where their main water shutoff is before a burst pipe happens. Check the garage, utility room, crawl space, or the water meter at the street. Turn it fully clockwise until it stops. If you have a ball valve, turn it 90 degrees perpendicular to the pipe.

Step 2: Turn Off Your Water Heater

After shutting off the main supply, turn off your water heater to prevent it from running dry and potentially failing. For gas heaters, turn the thermostat to pilot. For electric heaters, turn off the breaker. This protects your water heater from damage and eliminates a secondary source of hot water pressure.

Step 3: Document Before You Clean Up Anything

Use your phone to document the damage immediately — before moving furniture or absorbing any water. Walk through every affected room. Capture photos and video of standing water, wet walls and flooring, damaged belongings, and the pipe itself if visible. Your insurance adjuster needs to see the damage as it was, not after you've started cleaning up.

Why Professional Drying Is Non-Negotiable After a Burst Pipe

After a burst pipe, walls and flooring absorb water within hours. That absorbed moisture cannot be removed with consumer fans — it requires industrial air movers and dehumidifiers running continuously for 3 to 5 days with daily moisture monitoring. Skipping professional drying is the leading cause of mold appearing 2 to 3 weeks after a 'cleaned up' pipe burst.

Does Insurance Cover Burst Pipes?

Yes — burst pipes are one of the most commonly covered water damage scenarios under standard homeowners insurance policies in Georgia. The key is that the break must be sudden and accidental. We document the burst, provide moisture readings, and work directly with your adjuster, handling billing so you pay nothing out of pocket in most cases.