If you are currently experiencing active flooding in your home, visit the Water Damage Restoration Arvada homepage or call our 24/7 emergency dispatch line at (720) 735-8908 immediately for fast water extraction.
1. Shut Off the Water Supply
The absolute first thing you must do when a pipe bursts is to stop the flow of water. Don't wait for a plumber to arrive; every second counts. Locate your home's main water shutoff valve. In many Arvada homes, especially those in older neighborhoods like Olde Town or newer builds in Leyden Rock, the main shutoff is usually located in the basement or crawlspace, often near the front foundation wall where the water meter is housed.
If you cannot find the main shutoff inside, or if the burst pipe is near the main valve making it unsafe to reach, you may need to shut off the water at the street level using a water key. It is highly recommended that all family members know exactly where the main shutoff valve is located and how to turn it off before an emergency strikes.
2. Turn Off the Electricity Near the Affected Area
Water and electricity are a deadly combination. Once the water flow is stopped, you need to ensure the area is safe to enter. If the burst pipe has caused flooding near electrical outlets, appliances, or exposed wiring, go to your breaker box and shut off the power to that specific zone of the house.
If the flooding is extensive and you cannot safely reach the breaker panel without stepping in water, do not risk it. Call your utility company to have the power disconnected from the outside, or wait for professionals. Never wade into standing water if there is a risk that the water is electrically charged.
3. Open Faucets to Drain Remaining Water
After you have shut off the main water supply, there will still be water trapped in the pipes throughout your house. To relieve the pressure and drain this remaining water quickly, go around your home and open all the cold water faucets, starting from the highest floor and working your way down to the lowest floor or basement.
Next, turn off your hot water heater (or switch it to pilot if it's gas) and open the hot water faucets. This process empties the plumbing system safely into the sinks and tubs, rather than allowing that trapped water to continue leaking out of the burst section of pipe.
4. Document the Damage for Insurance
Before you begin the heavy cleanup, take extensive photos and videos of the damage. Document the standing water, the burst pipe itself if visible, and any damaged furniture, electronics, flooring, and personal belongings. This step is crucial for filing a successful claim with your homeowner's insurance.
Make sure to capture close-ups of specific damages as well as wide shots of entire affected rooms. Do not throw any damaged items away until an insurance adjuster has had the opportunity to inspect them, or until you have received explicit permission from your insurance provider.
5. Begin Removing Standing Water
Once it's safe to do so, start removing as much standing water as possible. If the flooding is minor, you can use mops, towels, and buckets. For larger amounts of water, a wet/dry shop vacuum is essential. However, if there are inches of standing water across a large area, you will likely need the help of a professional water damage restoration company equipped with commercial-grade submersible pumps and truck-mounted extractors.
The longer water sits, the deeper it penetrates into drywall, baseboards, and flooring. Quick extraction is the key to saving building materials and preventing severe structural compromise.
6. Move Belongings Away from Wet Areas
Relocate small furniture, rugs, electronics, and personal items out of the wet area to a dry location. If you have large, heavy furniture that cannot be easily moved (like solid wood dressers or heavy sofas), place aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or wood blocks under the legs. This prevents wood stains from bleeding onto wet carpets and protects the furniture legs from absorbing moisture and swelling.
Remove any wet area rugs or loose carpets immediately, as dyes can transfer to the flooring underneath, causing permanent stains. Hang wet items outside to dry if the weather permits.
7. Contact Your Insurance Company
Call your homeowner's insurance agent as soon as the immediate crisis is under control. Report the burst pipe and the resulting water damage. They will provide you with a claim number and guide you through the next steps, which typically involve scheduling an adjuster to visit your property.
Most standard homeowner's insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage, such as a burst pipe. Ask your agent about your specific coverage limits, your deductible, and whether they require you to use specific preferred vendors for the cleanup and repairs.
8. When to Call a Professional Restoration Company
While a plumber is needed to fix the broken pipe, they do not handle the cleanup and drying of your property. If the water has soaked into carpets, traveled under hard flooring, or wicked up into the drywall, you need an emergency restoration service.
Professional restorers use specialized equipment like Phoenix LGR dehumidifiers, high-velocity air movers, and thermal imaging cameras to ensure the structure is completely dry. Without this professional intervention, hidden moisture can quickly lead to severe mold growth within 24 to 48 hours, turning a manageable water leak into a hazardous and expensive mold remediation project.
9. Common Pipe Burst Scenarios in Arvada
In Arvada and the greater Denver metro area, the most common cause of burst pipes is freezing temperatures during the harsh winter months. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands, creating immense pressure that can rupture even solid copper or galvanized steel pipes. Uninsulated pipes in crawlspaces, attics, and exterior walls are particularly vulnerable.
Other causes include aging plumbing infrastructure, particularly in older Arvada homes, where corrosion weakens the pipe walls over decades. Additionally, sudden spikes in municipal water pressure or failures in older PEX or Polybutylene piping systems can result in unexpected ruptures.
10. Preventing Future Pipe Bursts
Prevention is always better than cure. To protect your Arvada home from future pipe bursts, especially during the cold Colorado winters, take proactive measures. Insulate all exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawlspaces, and garages using foam pipe sleeves or heat tape.
During extreme cold snaps, keep your thermostat set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even if you are away on vacation. Allow a slow trickle of warm water to run from faucets located on exterior walls to keep water moving and prevent freezing. Finally, ensure your garden hoses are disconnected and exterior spigots are drained before the first hard freeze of the season.