A burst pipe in the kitchen does more than wreck your daily routine. It spreads water across the floor, soaks walls and cabinets, and creates a huge mess.
Managing this kind of water damage emergency isn’t easy. We understand.
For over 28 years, ServiceMaster of Lake Shore has helped homeowners deal with burst kitchen pipes. We can help you too. Read on for everything you need to know about dealing with this plumbing disaster.
Key Takeaways
- Be on the lookout for signs of a burst pipe behind the walls, including mold growth, unpleasant odors, unusual water pressure, noisy pipes and damp areas on walls and inside cabinets.
- If a pipe bursts in the kitchen, stay safe by turning off the kitchen’s electricity and water supply and wearing non-slip shoes. Check DIY flood cleanup and plumbing repair supplies.
- Call your insurance agent, and start the claims process. Call a plumber who can take care of permanent repairs. Fix the burst line with pipe tape, hose clamps, multipurpose putty or a sleeve clamp kit.
- Clean up and dry affected floors, walls and cabinet interiors. Contact an experienced restoration company, and arrange for certified water damage mitigation and remediation.
Signs of a Kitchen Pipe Burst
Before a kitchen pipe bursts and floods the floor, there are clues that indicate a potential plumbing disaster. Be on the lookout for these common warning signs.
- Mold growth that keeps coming back after cleaning, especially near pipes
- Unpleasant odors from kitchen sink drains and the sink cabinet
- Unusual or fluctuating water pressure in sink faucets
- Banging sounds or gurgling noises under the sink or inside walls
- Discolored, odd-smelling water from either faucet
- Damp spots or stains on cabinet floors and walls
Before You Get Started
- Turn off the water and electricity supply to the kitchen.
- If the pipe is under the sink, close its shutoff valve.
- Stay safe by wearing non-slip work shoes.
- Keep a mop, bucket and plenty of dry towels handy.
- Check your toolbox for pipe tape, hose clamps and repair putty.
What to Do When a Pipe Bursts in Your Kitchen
1. Make Two Calls
Plan on making temporary repairs, but call a plumber, and explain that you’re dealing with a burst pipe in the kitchen.
Contact your homeowners insurance company, confirm your policy coverage, and schedule an adjuster’s inspection. Document your losses with photos.
Power Tip: Kitchen flooding can cause extensive damage, so ask your agent to recommend an industry-certified restoration company that specializes in water damage remediation.
2. Open Both Faucets
Drain the hot and cold water lines by opening both faucets all the way. This eliminates residual water that might complicate your repair work, and it relieves pressure on the broken pipe.
Power Tip: Single-handle vertical faucets need a little extra time to completely drain.
3. Locate the Burst Pipe
Use a flashlight to check the lines between the wall connection and the sink.
If you don’t see any cracks, the problem may be a burst supply pipe behind the wall. This is usually a situation that needs to be taken care of by a licensed plumber.
Power Tip: Restoration professional Diana Rodriguez-Zaba advises, “As you inspect the area, be careful to avoid any outlets or wiring connected to the dishwasher or disposal.”
4. Consider Your Repair Options
Most pipe breaks can be fixed with a little DIY know-how. While this type of repair should always be considered temporary, there are several options.
- Split a length of garden hose so that it fits around the pipe, and secure it over the break with hose clamps.
- Plug the break with multipurpose repair putty, and let it cure for half an hour.
- Seal the burst by wrapping it with multiple layers of waterproof fiberglass pipe tape.
- Make the repair with a sleeve clamp kit that uses a gasket secured with screws.
Power Tip: If you’re sure you’ll be working on a hot water line, you can turn off its water supply by closing the cold water shutoff valve on your water heater.
5. Clean Up and Inspect
Start the cleanup process by removing any standing water. Minor flooding can be mopped up, but a dry vac gets the job done more quickly, especially in a large kitchen.
You’ll also need to clean baseboards, walls and any other materials that were affected by the pipe burst. It all needs a close inspection too. You want to identify how far the damage has spread.
Power Tip: If the water damage is more than 24 hours old, soaked drywall may need to be torn out and replaced.
6. Dry All Affected Areas
Position large fans around the kitchen at different heights. This arrangement creates strong fresh air crosscurrents that help speed up the drying process. Let the fans run 24/7 for several days.
You need to be patient. It’s important to completely dry all areas soaked by the burst pipe. This includes the kitchen floor, walls and cabinets. Otherwise, mold growth takes hold and quickly spreads through porous materials.
Power Tip: Reduce the drying time by renting heavy-duty fans and dehumidifiers from the home improvement center.
7. Be Ready to Call Water Damage Pros
A broken pipe can flood the kitchen as quickly as a broken dishwasher. It typically leaves behind long-term problems that aren’t always obvious.
Head off secondary damages by bringing in a certified water damage company like ServiceMaster of Lake Shore. Our technicians take care of everything from cleanup and tear-out to mold remediation and interior restoration.
Power Tip: Most homeowners insurance policies cover the cost of professional water damage restoration services.
How to Prevent Burst Kitchen Pipes
- Kitchen pipes in walls with exterior exposure should always be well-insulated.
- Replace lines to the faucets with durable, flexible braided steel lines.
- Minimize pressure in kitchen drain pipes by keeping them free of clogs.
- Reduce corrosive damage to pipes by installing a water softer system.
- Routinely check the water pressure in your home’s plumbing system.
Are You Dealing With a Burst Pipe in Your Kitchen? Let Us Help!
Cleanup after a pipe burst in the kitchen can seem overwhelming. If you’re located in the Chicago area, we can help. ServiceMaster of Lake Shore provides certified water damage services, and we help you file your insurance claim too.
Let us get your kitchen and your routine back to normal. Call today: (312) 707-8597
FAQs
What causes a burst pipe in the kitchen?
The most common causes of burst pipes in kitchens include faulty connections, damaged components, corrosion, fluctuating water pressure and freezing temperatures.
Can a clogged sink cause a pipe to burst?
Yes, clogs can result in burst pipes because they restrict water flow. This generates excessive pressure that builds up inside the pipe. Over time, the pipe material weakens, making it more prone to a burst.
How serious is a pipe burst?
A kitchen pipe burst can leave behind extensive damage to floors, walls and lower cabinets and can impact a home’s electrical system. In addition to serious structural damage, residual moisture breeds unhealthy mold in porous materials.
