Burst Pipe in Colorado: What to Do in the First 30 Minutes

A burst pipe can dump up to 250 gallons of water per day from a crack as small as 1/8 inch, according to State Farm. In Colorado Springs, where temperatures regularly drop to 16 degrees Fahrenheit in December and January, frozen and burst pipes are one of the most common causes of residential water damage we see every winter.

Key Takeaways

• A burst pipe crack as small as 1/8 inch can release 250 gallons of water daily.
• Colorado Springs temps drop to 16°F in December-January, making burst pipes a top winter damage cause.
• CSFD responded to 45+ burst pipe calls in January 2024 during temperature swings.
• Shutting off the main water supply in the first 30 minutes is the most critical action.

In January 2024, Colorado Springs Fire Department responded to at least 45 burst pipe calls over a matter of days during a temperature swing (KKTV, 2024). If it hasn't happened to you yet, it might.

Here's exactly what to do in the first 30 minutes.

Where is the main water shutoff valve in a Colorado Springs home?

Do not wait to figure out where the burst is. Go straight to the main shutoff valve and turn it off.

In most Colorado Springs homes, the main shutoff valve is located where the water line enters the house, typically in the utility room, basement, or crawl space near the front foundation wall. It may also be near the water meter, which is often in a covered box in the yard.

Turn a round wheel-style valve clockwise until it stops. If it's a lever-style ball valve, rotate it a quarter turn so the handle sits perpendicular to the pipe.

Once the main is off, open cold-water faucets throughout the house to relieve residual pressure and drain water still in the lines.

If you don't know where your main shutoff is, now is a good time to find it before this happens.

Why should you turn off electricity before entering a flooded area?

Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Before you walk into a flooded room or touch anything wet, go to your breaker panel and cut power to all circuits in the affected area.

If you aren't sure which breakers cover the affected rooms, shut off power to the entire floor or the whole home. Don't step into standing water with live circuits nearby.

Also turn off your water heater. Once the supply is cut, it will begin heating an empty tank, which can cause damage or failure.

What documentation do you need before starting water removal for an insurance claim?

Pull out your phone and record a video walkthrough of all visible damage. Photograph water on floors, walls, ceilings, and any damaged belongings.

This documentation is critical for your insurance claim. Do it before you start removing water or moving furniture. Insurers often deny or reduce claims when there's no evidence of the original damage.

Capture the source of the burst if it's visible. Note the time and date in your documentation.

How can you safely remove standing water from a burst pipe flood?

If the electricity is off and you can enter safely, start removing standing water. Use towels, a mop, or a wet-dry vacuum if you have one. Every gallon you remove now reduces drying time and limits how far water migrates into walls and subfloor.

Move furniture, electronics, rugs, and anything else off wet floors. Prop cushions upright if upholstered furniture got wet. Get cardboard or plastic sheeting under wood furniture legs to prevent staining on flooring.

Open windows if outdoor temperatures are above freezing to improve airflow.

Should you call a plumber or restoration company first after a burst pipe?

You need two calls: one to a plumber to repair the broken pipe, and one to a water damage restoration company to handle water damage restoration and drying.

Make the restoration call first if there's significant water inside the home. The longer water sits, the deeper it penetrates into subfloor, wall cavities, and insulation. Mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours of exposure.

An IICRC-certified technician will use moisture meters to find water that isn't visible, set up commercial drying equipment, and document everything for your insurance adjuster.

Colorado-Specific Context: Why This Happens Here

Pipes burst most often during rapid temperature swings, which Colorado Springs gets more than most cities. A stretch of days below 20 degrees followed by a warm afternoon can cause pipes that froze solid to suddenly thaw and rupture.

Homes in Monument, Fountain, and Stetson Hills with exterior wall plumbing, uninsulated garages, or older pipe insulation are especially at risk. If your pipes froze and you got lucky this winter, consider wrapping exposed pipes in insulation before next season.

Pipes burst most often in crawl spaces, garages, exterior walls, and attics where heat doesn't reach well.

What Not to Do

• Don't use open flame to thaw frozen pipes. It's a fire hazard and can damage the pipe further.
• Don't run ceiling fans in areas with wet ceilings. If there's water pooled above drywall, a fan running won't help, and a saturated ceiling can collapse.
• Don't assume a small amount of water is fine to leave. Even minor saturation in subfloor or wall cavities can lead to mold if it doesn't dry completely within 48 hours.

For help with mold that develops after a water event, see our mold remediation service.

Act Fast, Then Call Us

The first 30 minutes determine how much damage you're actually dealing with. Shut the water off, kill the power, document everything, and call for help.

Call us at (719) 824-1650 or request a free damage assessment.