A burst pipe turns a normal day into an emergency in seconds. The water keeps coming until someone shuts it off, and it travels through ceilings, walls and floors faster than most people expect. Here's the order of steps that limits the damage, what happens after the water stops, and how Georgia insurance usually treats it. For other types of water loss, start with our overview of Kennesaw water damage help.
Step 1: Shut off the main water valve
Every second counts. The main shutoff is often where the water line enters the house, in a basement, crawl space, garage or near the water heater. Some homes also have a shutoff at the meter by the street. Turn it clockwise until it stops. If the leak is at a single fixture, such as a toilet or sink, its own valve may be enough. If you don't know where your main shutoff is, find it today.
Step 2: Cut power to wet areas
Water coming through a ceiling light or near outlets is dangerous. The CDC advises never turning power on or off, or using electrical tools, while standing in water. Switch off the breakers for affected rooms from a dry spot, or shut off the main breaker. If the panel itself is wet, call an electrician.
Step 3: Drain the lines and catch the water
Open a faucet on the lowest floor to drain the water left in the pipes, and flush toilets once. Put buckets under drips and poke a small hole at the lowest point of a bulging ceiling to let water out in a controlled way, if you can do it safely and stand clear, because a sagging ceiling can give way.
Step 4: Photograph, then call
Take photos and video of the pipe, the water and every damaged area before cleanup. Keep the failed part if you can. Then make three calls:
- A plumber to repair the pipe. Plumbing is a separately licensed trade in Georgia.
- Your insurance company, to start the claim and ask what it needs.
- A water damage restoration contractor to remove water and dry the structure. See burst pipe water damage.
Step 5: Get the structure drying
Mopping the floor isn't drying. Water soaks into drywall, insulation, subfloors and the cavity between floors. The EPA's 24 to 48 hour window for drying applies, and industry guidelines based on the IICRC S500 standard say drywall should generally be replaced if drying isn't started within 48 hours or completed within 72 hours. A contractor will use moisture meters to find the edges of the water and run air movers and dehumidifiers until readings show the materials are dry.
Frozen pipes: why Kennesaw gets caught out
Most burst pipes here happen in a hard freeze, often found only when the ice thaws and water starts flowing through the split. In December 2022, metro Atlanta stayed below freezing for about three days and hit 8°F on Christmas Eve morning, and burst pipes flooded homes, apartments and businesses across the region. Pipes in crawl spaces, attics, garages and exterior walls are most at risk. Our guide to frozen pipes in Kennesaw covers prevention.
What insurance usually covers
A former Georgia insurance commissioner explained that homeowners policies typically cover repairs to internal plumbing damaged by freezing and the resulting damage to carpet, furniture and belongings. Frozen pipes outside the home, such as in the yard, aren't covered by standard homeowners insurance, and water from an outside source such as a broken water main may not be covered. Read your own policy and see how to file a water damage claim in Georgia.
The burst pipe checklist
Main water off
Know where the valve is before you need it.
Power off to wet rooms
From a dry spot, or call an electrician.
Drain the lines
Open a low faucet; catch drips.
Document
Photos, video and the failed part.
Plumber, insurer, restoration
Pipe fixed, claim started, drying underway.