Burst or leaking pipe in Athens, GA

A split supply line can put hundreds of gallons into a house in a short time. The first priority is to stop the water. Then you want the structure dried quickly, before drywall, insulation and flooring stay wet.

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We are a referral service. An independent local company does the work.

Signs to look for

Water running or dripping from a ceiling, wall or floor
Bubbling or stained drywall, or paint that is peeling
A water meter that keeps moving when every tap is off
Low water pressure, or the sound of running water you cannot trace

Do this first

Shut off the main water valve, usually where the line enters the house or near the meter.
Turn off power to the affected area only if you can reach the panel without standing in water. Otherwise stay out and call.
Open a low faucet to drain what is left in the lines once the main is off.
Take photos and video of the source and the damage before cleanup.
Call a plumber for the repair and a restoration company for drying. They are different jobs.

What a restoration company usually does

A restoration crew typically finds where the water traveled, removes standing water with pumps or extractors, and sets up fans and dehumidifiers. They monitor moisture levels in the structure until it reads dry, and they remove materials that cannot be saved, such as soaked insulation or swollen drywall. Ask the company what moisture readings it will take and when it expects to finish.

Hidden leaks are common. If your water bill jumps or the meter moves with everything off, there may be a leak inside a wall or under the slab, and it needs a plumber to locate it.

Insurance notes

Policies often cover sudden and accidental pipe bursts, and often exclude damage from a leak that went on slowly for weeks or months. Read your policy and tell your insurer promptly. Keep receipts for emergency work, and keep photos taken before cleanup.

In the Athens area

Athens does see hard freezes on some winter nights, and pipes in unheated crawl spaces, attics and outside walls are the usual place for a freeze split. Many older homes near the center of town also have aging plumbing that fails without warning.

Common questions

How do I find my main water shutoff?

It is usually where the water line enters the house, often in a basement, crawl space, garage or utility room, or at a valve near the meter outside. Find it before you ever need it. If you cannot locate it in an emergency, your water utility may be able to shut off the supply at the street.

Should I turn off the electricity?

The CDC's guidance for flooded homes is to never turn power on or off yourself, or use an electric tool or appliance, while standing in water. If standing water blocks the panel, stay out and call an electrician.

Does homeowners insurance cover a burst pipe?

Policies often cover sudden and accidental bursts, and often exclude damage from a leak that ran for a long time. Deductibles apply. Read your policy and ask your insurer what it expects.

How soon can mold start?

The EPA advises drying water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth, so the sooner the water is removed, the better.

Water coming in right now? Call and we will connect you with a local restoration company, any hour.