A burst pipe is every homeowner’s nightmare. In Northern Arizona, where winter temperatures drop fast and stay low for weeks, frozen pipes are a real risk. When a pipe bursts, water doesn’t just trickle, it floods. And in a mountain home, that water can spread through walls, under floors, and into crawl spaces within minutes. The first 24 hours after a pipe bursts are critical. What you do during this time can mean the difference between minor repairs and major structural damage. Here’s what Northern Arizona homeowners need to know.
Step 1: Shut Off the Water Immediately
The first thing you need to do is stop the water. If you can locate the burst pipe, turn off the valve to that specific area. If you can’t find it or the water won’t stop, shut off your main water line.
Every homeowner should know where their main shutoff valve is located before disaster strikes. In Northern Arizona homes, it’s often in a crawl space, garage, or utility room. If you’re not sure, find it now. Once the water is off, open faucets to drain remaining water from the pipes. This reduces pressure and prevents additional leaks.
Step 2: Document Everything
Before you start cleanup, take photos and videos of the damage. Document every affected room, wall, and item. This evidence is critical when filing an insurance claim.
Take close-up shots of water damage on walls, floors, ceilings, and furniture. Show the source of the leak if possible. If water has spread into multiple rooms, document the entire path. Most insurance policies require proof of damage before approving claims. The more documentation you have, the better.
Step 3: Call a Professional Restoration Team
This is not a DIY job. A burst pipe means standing water, soaked drywall, saturated insulation, and hidden moisture in places you can’t see. Without professional equipment, that moisture stays behind. And where moisture lingers, mold grows.
RestorePro responds to water damage calls in Payson, Show Low, Snowflake, and Winslow within 30 minutes. That fast response time matters. The longer water sits, the deeper it spreads and the more expensive repairs become.
Professional restoration includes water extraction, structural drying, moisture detection, and antimicrobial treatment to prevent mold. These steps require specialized equipment like industrial dehumidifiers, air movers, and thermal imaging cameras to find hidden moisture behind walls and under floors.
Step 4: Move What You Can
If it’s safe to do so, move furniture, rugs, and personal items away from standing water. The faster you get items out of wet areas, the more you can save.
Don’t risk injury. If water is deep or near electrical outlets, wait for professionals. If you can safely move items, place them in a dry area where they can air out.
Wet drywall, carpet, and insulation often need to be removed and replaced. But electronics, furniture, and personal belongings may be salvageable if handled quickly.
Step 5: Contact Your Insurance Company
Call your homeowner’s insurance as soon as possible. Let them know what happened, provide your documentation, and ask about next steps.
Most policies cover sudden burst pipes, but coverage can vary. Some policies don’t cover gradual leaks or damage caused by lack of maintenance. That’s why it’s important to report damage quickly and have clear records.
RestorePro works directly with insurance companies throughout the process. We provide documentation, communicate with adjusters, and handle billing coordination so homeowners don’t have to navigate the claims process alone.
Why DIY Water Removal Isn’t Enough
Mopping up standing water might make a room look dry, but it doesn’t address what’s behind the walls or under the floors. Water absorbs into drywall, insulation, and wood framing. It seeps into crawl spaces and spreads through subflooring.
Without professional drying, that trapped moisture creates the perfect environment for mold growth. Mold can start forming within 24 to 48 hours. Once it takes hold, it spreads quickly and becomes a much bigger problem.
Professional restoration teams use moisture meters and thermal imaging to detect hidden water. They set up drying equipment that runs for days, ensuring structures dry completely. This level of thoroughness isn’t possible with household fans and towels.
Prevention for Next Time
Once repairs are complete, take steps to prevent future burst pipes. In Northern Arizona, that means preparing before winter fully hits.
Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces, attics, and exterior walls. Disconnect outdoor hoses and drain exterior faucets. During extreme cold snaps, let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving through pipes.
If you’re leaving town during winter, don’t turn your heat off completely. Keep it set to at least 55 degrees to prevent freezing.
If you wake up to a burst pipe, don’t wait. Shut off the water, document the damage, and call RestorePro. We’re available 24/7 and respond within 30 minutes across Northern Arizona. Fast action protects your home. Let us handle the rest.