What should I do about a burst pipe?
Shut off the main water valve first — everything else is second. Then kill power to the area if water is near outlets, open a faucet to drain pressure, and move what you can. Emergency repair of a burst pipe typically costs $500–$1,500 for the pipe itself; water damage is the expensive part, which is why the first 10 minutes matter most.
Likely causes
- Frozen pipe that thawed — The classic winter burst — the pipe splits while frozen and floods on thaw.
- Corroded or aging pipe — Old galvanized and copper lines fail at weak points, often at joints.
- Excess water pressure — Pressure spikes stress every weak point in the system.
What you can check yourself
- Main shutoff: usually near the street meter or where the line enters the house. Find yours before you ever need it.
- After shutoff, open the lowest faucet to drain the lines.
- Photograph everything for insurance before cleanup.
Typical cost
Emergency pipe repair typically $500–$1,500 in Austin, TX; after-hours calls carry a premium. Mitigation (drying) is separate — insurers often cover it.
When to call a pro
Immediately — this is the definition of an emergency call. Every pro listed below shows a phone number; pick one and call, don't fill out forms.
Plumber pros in Austin, TX
- W.O. Harper Plumbing · 410 W 18th St, Austin, TX · +15124762657
- Excalibur Plumbing · 401 Congress Ave Ste 1540, Austin, TX · 5122775535
- Chase Llc · 515 Congress Ave # 5700, Austin, TX · 15128902933
- ROI Society · 106 E 6th St suite 900-107, Austin, TX · 7373733793
- Accurate Leak and Line - 6th, Austin · Littlefield Building, 106 E 6th St Ste 900, Austin, TX · 5128654088
- Roger's Plumbing Inc. · 815 Brazos St, Austin, TX · 5128424544
- ROBERTO RUIZ DBA HEADPLUMBER · PO BOX 9204, AUSTIN, TX · 5128365077
- Lantz Home Services · 1114 STE 200 West 5th Street, TX · +15127101032
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Data by Servik — verified local pros from official license records and public sources. Cost figures are typical ranges, not quotes; a pro's written estimate is the real number.