Water is pouring: do this now
Shut off the main
Turn the main valve clockwise. If it is stuck, use the meter shutoff at the street, and call us.
Stay safe
Keep away from electrical outlets in wet rooms. Switch off power at the breaker if water reaches outlets and you can get to the panel dry.
Open low faucets
Open a faucet at the lowest level to drain the line and reduce pressure.
Photograph and call
Document the damage, then call the 24/7 line. We can usually be there the same day.
Do not wait to see whether it dries. Standing water goes into insulation, framing and flooring, and the clock starts for mold within a day or two. The faster the water is stopped and pulled out, the less rebuilding is needed.
We stop the leak and repair the pipe, but water extraction and drying belong to a restoration company. We tell you when to call one and what to say.
| Cause of burst | Why it happens | What we do |
|---|---|---|
| Freezing | Water expands in an unprotected pipe | Thaw safely, repair the split, add protection |
| High pressure | Pressure above what fittings can handle | Repair and test the regulator |
| Corrosion | Wall thinning in old galvanized or copper | Repair and assess for repiping |
| Impact or digging | Pipe struck by a tool or equipment | Repair the section, call 811 first next time |
| Failed fitting | A joint or connector gives way | Replace the fitting and test |
Why pipes burst in Georgia
Freezes here are infrequent, which is exactly why pipes are caught unprepared. In the Christmas weekend cold of December 2022, DeKalb County reported a run of water main breaks and a boil water advisory covering parts of the county, and plenty of homeowners learned where their shutoff was the hard way. Pipes in attics, garages, outside walls and crawlspaces are the ones at risk. Insulate them, let a faucet drip on the coldest nights, and know your main valve before you need it.
Prepare before the next cold snap
- Locate and test your main shutoff once a year. If it is stiff or leaks, have it replaced.
- Disconnect hoses and cover outdoor faucets before a freeze.
- Open cabinet doors on exterior walls on the coldest nights.
- Let a faucet drip at the far end of the house when temperatures fall well below freezing.
What affects burst pipe repair cost
Location
A pipe in an open attic is quicker than one inside a finished wall.
Pipe material
Copper, PEX and galvanized each call for different repairs.
Number of breaks
A freeze often splits several sections.
Drywall access
Opening and closing walls adds labor.
Time of call
After-hours pricing is stated on the same call.
Burst pipe damage is often a covered loss, and our written findings help. Ask your insurer what they need and keep your receipts. For your real number, call (770) 214-4545.
Pipe burst?
Close the main and call the 24/7 line now.
Burst pipes in Tucker
The advisory areas in December 2022 were reported as south of Henderson Road and east of I-285, and DeKalb said pressure had dropped by less than twenty psi in affected areas. That kind of pressure swing can stress old fittings. If the break is between the meter and the house, see water service line repair. If you cannot find the source, leak detection comes first.
Standards and sources
Plumbing work in Georgia follows the state minimum plumbing code, which is built on the International Plumbing Code (IPC) with Georgia amendments. Ask the City of Tucker permit team which edition and which local rules apply to your address. Plumbers are licensed through the Secretary of State's Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers, and you can ask for a license number. Any digging starts with a free call to Georgia 811, at least three business days ahead.
Written by Tucker Express Plumbing for homeowners in the Tucker area. We name standards where they apply and tell you when a rule depends on your address.
Questions we hear from homeowners
Yes. We answer 24 hours a day. A burst pipe is our top priority, and the first step is closing the main shutoff.
Usually near the water meter, at the point where the line enters the house, or in a utility closet or garage. Find it today, before you need it.
Often the resulting damage is covered for a sudden break. Coverage depends on your policy, so ask your insurer and keep the plumber's report.
Yes, with gentle heat and open faucets. Never use an open flame. If it has already split, we repair it after thawing.
No. We stop and repair the leak, and recommend a restoration company for drying.