Safety first: if there is a gas smell, sparking, or a sagging ceiling, leave the area and call 911 or your utility before anything else.
If a pipe just burst
- Close the main shut-off immediately.
- Switch off breakers for wet areas only if you can reach the panel from a dry spot.
- Open faucets to drain the remaining water.
- Photograph everything, then call a licensed plumber for the pipe.
- If drywall, flooring, or cabinets are wet, a restoration contractor can dry the structure.
Why pipes fail here
- Pinhole leaks in older copper lines
- Failed braided supply lines under sinks and toilets
- Irrigation and pool lines near the house
- Pipes in attics and garages exposed to extreme summer heat
- Occasional cold nights in outlying areas, which can split exposed hose bibs and backflow devices
After the plumber leaves
A fixed pipe does not mean a dry house. Water spreads under flooring and wicks up drywall. Ask for moisture readings before walls are closed or painted.
How our referral works
We are a referral service, not a contractor. When you call or send a request, we connect you with an independent restoration contractor licensed by the CSLB who serves your city. You contract with and pay that contractor directly, and you are always welcome to choose someone else.
How to check a contractor in California
- Look up the license on the CSLB website and confirm it is active and fits the work.
- Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage.
- Get a written contract and estimate before work begins, and read any assignment-of-benefits or direction-to-pay form before signing.
- Ask which IICRC or other training their crew holds and how they document moisture readings.
Related: water damage · slab leaks · burst pipes · mold · guides
Guides: What Tropical Storm Hilary Taught Valley Homeowners · Leaving for the Summer: A Leak-Prevention Checklist · Hard Water, Copper Pipes, and Pinhole Leaks · AC Condensate Leaks in Desert Homes
Common questions
Who fixes the pipe and who dries the house?
A licensed plumber repairs the pipe. A licensed restoration contractor handles drying and repairs to the structure.
Can I use a shop vac?
A wet/dry shop vac can remove standing water. Never use a household vacuum on water.
Request a referral
Four fields. We will call you back and refer you to an independent contractor. Our call line is coming soon.
Need a restoration contractor in the Coachella Valley?
Tell us what happened and we will refer you to an independent, licensed contractor.