Westchester winters can freeze pipes in exterior walls, unheated basements, garages and crawl spaces. When a frozen pipe splits, water can run inside walls and ceilings before anyone notices. This guide covers the order of work after a burst pipe, so you know what comes next and who does it.
First: stop the water and make the home safe
- Shut off the main water supply if you can do so safely.
- If water is near outlets, light fixtures or the electrical panel, stay clear and have a qualified electrician make it safe.
- Take photos and video of the damage before anything is moved or removed.
- Call a plumber to repair the pipe. The source of the water has to be fixed before anything else is rebuilt.
Second: mitigation
A water mitigation company removes standing water, cuts out and discards wet drywall and insulation that cannot be saved, and dries the structure with fans and dehumidifiers. This is separate from the rebuild. Our mitigation vs. rebuild guide explains the handoff.
Third: the rebuild
When the structure is confirmed dry and the pipe has been repaired, the walls and ceilings can be closed back up: new drywall, taping and finishing, texture matching, primer, paint and trim. That is the part Westchester Home Improvements does. See the full drywall rebuild process.
Ice dams and ceiling leaks
Ice dams form when melting snow refreezes at the edge of a roof and pushes water back under the shingles. The result is often a stained or sagging ceiling below. Once the roof leak is fixed and the ceiling is dry, damaged drywall is cut out, replaced, finished and painted. Painting the full ceiling usually gives the most even result.
Ways to reduce the risk
- Keep heat on in the home, including basements, even when you are away.
- Open cabinet doors on exterior walls during very cold nights so warm air reaches the pipes.
- Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas.
- Know where your main water shutoff is and make sure everyone in the home can find it.
If a pipe has already burst and the mitigation work is done, call 914-643-3263 for a free rebuild estimate, or read about our flood damage rebuild service.
Frequently asked questions
Who fixes the walls after a burst pipe?
A plumber repairs the pipe, a mitigation company dries the structure, and a rebuild contractor like us replaces the drywall, finishes it and paints. We handle the rebuild.
How soon can drywall go back after a burst pipe?
After the pipe is repaired and the mitigation company confirms the structure is dry. Closing walls over damp framing can lead to mold.