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 Francisco, CA; 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 Francisco, CA
- Ace Plumbing & Rooter, Inc. · 1090 Bryant St, San Francisco, CA · (415) 824-6444
- Cornely Company · 174 Shotwell St, San Francisco, CA · +14152521800
- J E Brown Co Mechanical Contractors · 78 Shotwell St, San Francisco, CA · 14156264044
- Starboy Plumbing Inc. · 1580 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA · 14157122557
- Hydra Ventures Inc · 214 12th St, San Francisco, CA · 14152528600
- EVERLAST PLUMBING · P O BOX 884181, SAN FRANCISCO, CA · (415) 739 7009
- Zec and Ros Plumbing · 939 Buchanan St, San Francisco, CA · +14158023334
- Aqua Star Plumbing · 147 Graystone Ter, San Francisco, CA · +14159702280
Get free quotes from San Francisco, CA pros →
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.