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Burst or Broken Pipe in the House (Not Frozen)

Most people link burst pipes to winter, but pipes, fittings and supply hoses also fail in mild weather. Here is why, and what to do the moment it happens.

Updated November 2026 · 5 min read

Quick answer

Shut off the main water valve first, then keep away from water near outlets and appliances (CDC). Common causes outside of a freeze include water pressure above the 80 psi plumbing code limit (International Code Council), corrosion that causes pinhole leaks in copper pipe (Indian River County Utilities), and failed supply hoses on washers, sinks and icemakers (Connecticut Insurance Department).

What should you do the moment a pipe breaks?

  1. Close the main water valve. If the leak is on one fixture, its own valve under the sink or behind the toilet may be enough.
  2. Keep away from water near power. The CDC advises turning off power and water when water is in your home (CDC). Only flip breakers if you can reach the panel standing somewhere dry.
  3. Turn off the water heater if the main is shut for more than a short time, following the maker's instructions.
  4. Photograph the damage, then call a restoration company for water removal and a plumber for the repair.

Wet materials should be dried within 24 to 48 hours to help prevent mold (EPA), so water removal is the time-sensitive call.

Can high water pressure burst a pipe?

It can strain the whole system. The plumbing code sets 80 psi as the maximum static pressure in a house. Where the street pressure is higher, a pressure-reducing valve is required where the water service enters the house (International Code Council).

Thermal expansion adds to it. When a tank water heater heats water in a closed system, pressure rises. The code commentary says a dripping water heater relief valve suggests pressure is nearing 150 psi, a level that can damage piping, fixtures and appliances (International Code Council). A plumber can check your pressure with a gauge and test the pressure-reducing valve and expansion tank.

Water still coming in or standing? A local restoration company can start water removal now.

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Why do older copper pipes spring pinhole leaks?

Pinhole leaks come from localized corrosion called pitting. Water chemistry, stagnant water, leftover flux from installation, turbulent flow and electrical grounding faults can all contribute (Indian River County Utilities). One pinhole can leak inside a wall for a long time before it shows, so check for signs of a leak behind drywall nearby.

Age matters too. An insurance industry study found that homes 30 years old were three times as likely to have a plumbing supply or drainage problem (Connecticut Insurance Department).

Which supply lines and hoses fail most often?

Study figures from the Institute for Business and Home Safety, published by the Connecticut Insurance Department (Connecticut Insurance Department):

  • Washing machines: a burst supply line caused half of washer water damage incidents, averaging more than $6,000 in damage each.
  • Icemakers: 73% of losses were caused by a failed supply line hose.
  • Sinks: 44% of incidents came from faulty supply lines.
  • Toilets: 78% of incidents involved supply lines, flanges, fill valves or backups.

The same guidance suggests inspecting washer hoses every six months and considering braided stainless steel hoses.

Is a burst pipe covered if it wasn't frozen?

Sudden and accidental water damage is usually covered by homeowners insurance, while damage from a slow leak over time often is not (Insurance Information Institute). Insurers also expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, such as removing standing water when it's safe (Michigan DIFS). See does homeowners insurance cover water damage? for the details to check in your policy.

Common questions

Can a pipe burst in summer?

Yes. High water pressure, thermal expansion from the water heater, corrosion and worn supply hoses don't depend on the weather.

What water pressure is too high for a house?

The residential plumbing code caps static pressure at 80 psi. Above that, a pressure-reducing valve is required where the water service enters the house.

Why is my water heater relief valve dripping?

The code commentary says a dripping relief valve suggests pressure in the system is nearing 150 psi, often from thermal expansion. Have a plumber check the expansion tank and pressure-reducing valve.

Should I call a plumber or a restoration company first?

Shut off the water, then call both. The plumber fixes the pipe. The restoration company removes the water and dries the structure, which is the time-sensitive part.

Related guides

Local water damage help

Each state page lists the towns we cover, with local shut-off and sewer numbers and flood notes.

Town pages that cover this problem, with local water and sewer numbers:

Sources:

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