How to Tell If a Pipe Has Burst (and What to Do Next)
Winter in Minnesota can be brutal on your home’s plumbing. When temperatures plunge, frozen pipes and burst lines become a real risk, and homeowners often don’t realize there’s a problem until the damage is already underway. Knowing the signs of a burst pipe, what immediate steps to take, and when to call a professional plumber can save you from costly water damage and major headaches. Abel Plumbing wants to help you stay prepared. Here’s everything you need to know to spot a burst pipe quickly and handle the situation safely.
Common Signs a Pipe Has Burst
If a pipe bursts, the faster you act, the less damage your home will suffer. Here are the top symptoms homeowners search for every winter:
Sudden Drop in Water Pressure: If you turn on a faucet and barely anything comes out, you may have a broken or leaking pipe. A sudden pressure drop usually indicates water is escaping somewhere behind the scenes.
Unexplained Water on Floors, Walls, or Ceilings: Puddles, damp drywall, water stains, or bubbles in paint can all be signs of a pipe leaking - often from behind walls or above ceilings. Don’t ignore even small wet spots; they can quickly grow into major issues.
Strange Sounds in the Walls: Hissing, gurgling, dripping, or rushing water noises behind walls or under floors can indicate water escaping from a cracked or burst pipe.
Unpleasant Smells: A musty, damp odor is a classic sign of slow leaks and hidden moisture. If the smell intensifies over time, you may have a burst pipe feeding mold and mildew.
Discolored Water or Rusty Tap Water: When sediment or rust gets into your water supply, it can mean a pipe has cracked and contaminants are entering your plumbing system.
Unexpected Spike in Your Water Bill: If your usage hasn’t changed but your bill skyrockets, water may be leaking somewhere in your home - possibly from a burst underground or exterior line.
Frost or Ice on Exposed Pipes: Outdoor spigots, basement lines, and crawlspace piping can freeze easily. If you see frost on a pipe, it may already be cracked or close to bursting.
What to Do Immediately If You Suspect a Burst Pipe
Knowing what to do next can prevent further damage and keep your home safe.
⚠️ Shut Off Your Main Water Supply
Find your home’s main shut-off valve (usually in a mechanical room, basement, or utility closet) and turn it off. This stops water from continuing to flood the area.
⚠️ Turn Off Electricity in Affected Areas
If water is near electrical fixtures or outlets, shut off the corresponding breaker.
Safety first — avoid stepping in standing water near electricity.
⚠️ Open Your Faucets
Relieve pressure in your pipes by opening cold taps throughout your home. This allows remaining water to drain out safely.
⚠️ Start Drying the Area
Use towels, mops, or wet/dry vacuums to remove as much water as possible.
Quick action helps prevent mold growth and further damage.
⚠️ Turn Up the Heat
If freezing temperatures caused the issue, warm up the affected area to help thaw nearby pipes that may still be frozen.
⚠️ Document the Damage for Insurance
Take photos and videos of everything — the leak, the damage, and any items affected.
This will help with insurance claims later.
⚠️ Call a Licensed Plumber
Burst pipes aren’t a DIY fix. The safest next step is contacting a certified plumbing expert who can:
Repair or replace the damaged pipe
Inspect the rest of your plumbing for additional freezing risks
Ensure your system is safe and functional again
Abel Plumbing offers fast, reliable winter plumbing repairs, including burst pipe emergencies, frozen pipe thawing, leak detection, and water line replacement.
How to Prevent Pipes from Freezing in the First Place
Prevention is the best cure, especially during Minnesota’s coldest months. Here are top tips:
Keep your home heated to at least 55°F (even when away).
Let faucets drip slightly during extreme cold to keep water moving.
Add pipe insulation to basements, crawlspaces, and garages.
Seal air leaks around pipes near windows, vents, or exterior walls.
Detach garden hoses and shut off exterior water valves before winter.
Need Burst Pipe Repair? Call Abel Plumbing Today
Burst pipes are stressful, but you don’t have to handle them alone. The experienced technicians at Abel Plumbing respond quickly and professionally to get your home back to normal.
We offer:
24/7 Emergency plumbing services
Frozen and burst pipe repair
Leak detection
Water line replacement
Winter plumbing maintenance
Whether you're dealing with a sudden pipe burst or want to prevent future issues, Abel Plumbing is here to help you stay safe, dry, and protected this winter. Call us today at 763-682-4105 to schedule service or request emergency assistance. Your home deserves the trusted care of Abel Plumbing: Minnesota’s reliable plumbing experts.