Burst water line repair
Water bubbling up through the lawn or pressure suddenly gone usually means the line has split. Shut the water off first, then get it repaired.
An urgent repair for a water line that has split or separated, usually seen as water surging up in the yard or a sudden loss of pressure.
Right now
- Shut off the water. Close the valve at the house, usually near an outdoor spigot, in a crawlspace or in the garage. If the break is in the yard, close the customer valve in the meter box with a meter key or pliers.
- If you cannot reach a valve, call your water utility's emergency line and ask them to shut off service at the meter.
- Keep people and cars away from any washout. Water running under concrete can leave a hollow underneath.
- Photograph everything: the water, the meter reading and any damage. Insurers and utilities both ask for it.
- Call for a repair.
Your line or the utility's?
If the water rises on the street side of the meter, the utility owns that pipe. Phone them before anyone else. Water coming up between the meter and the house is most likely your line.
Why lines burst
- A hard freeze splits shallow pipe near the meter or where it rises at the house
- Old galvanized pipe finally gives out
- Digging, fence posts or heavy vehicles hit the line
- A long drought followed by heavy rain moves expansive clay quickly
- A pressure surge after work on the water main
Alabama freezes
Alabama does not freeze often, which is exactly why freezes do so much damage. Lines are buried shallower than in northern states and fittings at the meter and house are exposed. During a hard freeze, insulate exposed pipe, cover the meter box lid and know where your shutoff is before you need it.
Common questions
Can I keep using water until the repair?
Not if the break is on your service line. Everything you use flows through it.
Does insurance cover a burst water line?
The pipe itself often is not covered. Sudden water damage to the home may be. Check your policy and keep photos.
Repairs by city
Water coming up between the meter and the house?
Call to talk with an independent water line repair provider serving your part of Alabama. Ask about price and timing, then decide.