FAQ: Can a Pipe Burst Even If It Didn’t Leak Right Away?

Short answer: Yes.

If a pipe freezes, it’s already in trouble—even if it doesn’t leak immediately.

When water freezes, it expands. That pressure can crack or weaken your pipes, especially copper or older galvanized ones. But here’s the kicker: the pipe doesn’t always burst right away.

Why it happens later

Once things thaw, water flows again—but now under pressure and through a damaged pipe wall. That’s when the break lets loose. It could be hours or even days after the initial freeze.

We’ve seen it plenty of times in Grove City and Columbus basements:

• Pipe freezes during an overnight cold snap

• Temps rise the next day

• Homeowner thinks all’s fine

• Then—hours later—water gushes from behind a wall or in a crawl space

What to watch for after a freeze

Even if everything seems dry, look for:

• Damp drywall or ceiling spots

• Odd sounds in your plumbing (dripping, spraying, or running water)

• Drop in water pressure

• Wet areas near exposed pipes

If you see any of those signs, shut off your main water valve and give us a call.

What to do if your pipe bursts

1. Shut off your water supply

2. Turn off electricity if water is near outlets or appliances

3. Call a licensed water damage contractor

4. Document the damage (photos, videos)

5. Start drying immediately (fans, dehumidifiers help—but don’t rely on them alone)

At Total Home Water Restoration, we’re IICRC-certified in water damage cleanup. We respond fast and handle everything from burst pipe repair to drying and rebuilding.

Need help now?
Call Tyler Zimmerman directly at 380-246-1837.

We serve Grove City, Columbus, Hilliard, Westerville, Reynoldsburg, and surrounding areas.