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 San Antonio, 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 San Antonio, TX
- All City Plumbing Repairs · 1331 Basse Rd Ste 2, San Antonio, TX · +12107347444
- Specia Plumbing & Electric · 5917 San Pedro Ave Ste 1, San Antonio, TX · 12103418641
- Coppera Plumbing & Commercial Services · 70 Haby Dr, San Antonio, TX · 15123651838
- York Heating And Air Conditioning · Dora St, Olmos Park, TX · +12108262333
- Shafer Services Plus · 3800 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX · +12102278358
- CYNTHIA'S PLUMBING & UTIILITY LLC · 621 W NORWOOD CT, SAN ANTONIO, TX · 2103832687
- AL Plumbing LLC · 1601 N Alamo St Unit 202, San Antonio, TX · +12102696346
- J A Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning · 315 Burnet St, San Antonio, TX · +12102280054
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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.