Burst Pipe Repair in Phoenix, AZ

Stop the damage

1. Find the shutoff. In many Valley homes the house valve is outside near a front hose bib, along the wall where the line enters, or in the garage close to the water heater. If you cannot find it, the valve at the meter box can stop the flow.
2. Kill power where water is spreading. Use the breaker panel only if you can stand somewhere dry.
3. Protect the water heater. Turn an electric heater off at its breaker or put a gas heater on pilot if the hot side lost pressure.
4. Drain the lines. Open the lowest faucet or a hose bib so remaining water leaves there.
5. Take photos. Pictures of the break and the wet areas help with an insurance claim.

Is it on the City side?

If water is coming up from the street, a sidewalk or near the meter box, it may be a City main or service connection. The City of Phoenix takes reports of broken mains, hydrants and service lines at 602-261-8000. Lines on your side of the main are the property owner's to repair.

What breaks pipes in a desert city

Freezes are rare in Phoenix, but they happen, and pipes here are seldom insulated for them. Hose bibs, backflow assemblies on irrigation lines, pool equipment plumbing and pipes in exterior walls or attics are the parts most exposed on a cold night. Year round, the bigger culprits are old fittings that let go, high water pressure, water hammer when valves slam shut, and supply hoses under sinks, toilets and washers that crack with age.

How the repair goes

• The plumber opens enough drywall or ceiling to see sound pipe on both sides of the damage
• The failed piece is cut out and replaced with matching or compatible pipe
• The system is refilled and checked for leaks before walls are closed
• If several fittings look tired, ask whether a larger section should be replaced now

Cost factors

Where the break sits, how much wall or ceiling has to be opened, the pipe material and whether the call happens after hours all shape the bill. Drywall, flooring and drying are usually separate trades.