Protect your home from water damage caused by burst and frozen pipes with this step-by-step emergency checklist. From shutting off water to calling a licensed contractor in Grove City, here’s what to do fast.

Frozen Pipe Emergency Checklist: What Every Homeowner Needs

Burst & Frozen Pipe Cleanup
October 08, 2025•2 min read

When a pipe freezes and bursts, it’s not just a plumbing issue—it’s a full-blown home emergency. Whether it’s in the crawlspace, basement, or behind a wall, frozen pipes can dump hundreds of gallons of water into your home in minutes.

At Total Home Water Restoration, we’ve seen it all—from busted copper lines in kitchen ceilings to PEX joints splitting in garage walls. This emergency checklist is what we follow to stop the damage and start the fix—fast.

🚨 Emergency Checklist: What To Do When a Pipe Freezes or Bursts

1. Shut Off Your Main Water Supply

  • Find your home’s main water shut-off valve (usually in the basement, crawlspace, or where the main line enters the house).

  • Turn it clockwise until it stops. This shuts off all water to your home and prevents more flooding.

2. Kill the Power (If Water Is Near Outlets)

  • If water is leaking near electrical outlets or your panel, turn off power at the main breaker.

  • Don’t step into standing water if you suspect electrical hazards—call 911 or your utility company.

3. Open Faucets to Drain Remaining Water

  • Turn on cold taps throughout your home to relieve pressure and drain what’s left in the system.

  • If the burst pipe is hot water, turn off your water heater too.

4. Document the Damage

  • Take clear photos or video of affected areas: walls, ceilings, flooring, and belongings.

  • This will help your insurance adjuster later.

5. Start Containing the Water

  • Use towels, buckets, or a wet/dry vac to remove standing water.

  • Move furniture and valuables out of the wet zone if safe to do so.

6. Call a Licensed Restoration Pro Immediately

  • Fast response matters. Mold can start growing within 24-48 hours.

  • We handle emergency water extraction, drying, drywall removal, and repairs—start to finish.

📞 Need help now? Call Tyler at Total Home Water Restoration: 380-246-1837

Why Pipes Freeze (And How to Prevent It Next Time)

Here in Grove City and throughout Columbus, we see most freeze damage in:

  • Uninsulated crawlspaces

  • Garages with plumbing

  • Exterior walls with poor insulation

  • Vacant homes during cold snaps

Simple prevention steps:

  • Keep heat at 55°F or higher during cold weather—even if you’re away.

  • Let faucets drip slightly overnight.

  • Insulate exposed pipes (especially in attics, basements, or crawlspaces).

  • Seal gaps near pipes with spray foam or caulk.

When to Call Total Home Water Restoration

Don’t wait and hope it dries out. Water behind walls, under flooring, and in insulation needs professional drying and cleanup. If you’re dealing with a frozen or burst pipe:

  • We show up fast—day or night.

  • We dry it the right way, per IICRC S500 standards.

  • We rebuild drywall, trim, and flooring as needed.

From disaster to done right. We fix it like it’s our own home.

📍 Total Home Water Restoration
4141 Hoover Rd, Grove City, OH 43123
📞 380-246-1837

Back to Blog