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Burst Pipe in Your Phoenix Home? Here’s What To Do First! 

A burst pipe can turn into a major flood in minutes. Water can damage flooring, drywall, cabinets, furniture, and even electrical systems before you have time to react. The most important thing you can do is stop the water as quickly as possible, then call a licensed plumber to help prevent further damage. 

At Robins Plumbing, we speak homeowner. Our goal is to educate and empower you during stressful plumbing emergencies while providing a higher level of service when you need it most. 

First: Stay Calm and Find the Water Shut Off 

If a pipe bursts inside your home, your first priority is shutting off the water supply. 

Most homes in the Phoenix area have a main water shut off valve located in one of these areas: 

• Near the front hose bibb 

• On the side of the home 

• In the garage 

• Near the water heater 

• Where the main water line enters the home 

If you can safely access the leaking area, you may also be able to shut off a local fixture valve under a sink or behind a toilet. But for a major burst pipe, shutting off the home’s main water supply is usually the fastest and safest option. 

What Does the Main Shut Off Valve Look Like? 

There are two common types of shut off valves homeowners may see. 

Ball Valve 

A ball valve typically has a lever handle. 

• When the handle is parallel with the pipe, the water is ON 

• When the handle is turned perpendicular to the pipe, the water is OFF 

Ball valves are generally reliable and easy to operate during an emergency. 

Gate Valve 

A gate valve usually has a round handle that twists multiple times. 

These valves are more common in older homes and can sometimes fail internally due to age, corrosion, or mineral buildup from Phoenix hard water. Even if the handle turns, the water may not fully shut off. 

If your valve will not turn, feels stuck, or does not stop the water, do not force it. Excessive force can break the valve and make the situation worse. 

Important Phoenix Area Water Meter Information 

Many homeowners assume they can shut the water off directly at the city meter. However, in much of the Phoenix area, homeowners are not permitted to operate the meter shut off themselves. 

If you cannot stop the water using your home’s shut off valve, it’s time to call Robins Plumbing or contact your city water department immediately. 

After the Water Is Off 

Once the water is shut off: 

1. Turn off electrical power to affected areas if it is safe to do so 

1. Remove valuables and electronics from wet areas 

1. Use towels or a wet vacuum to reduce standing water 

1. Take photos of the damage for insurance purposes 

1. Call Robins Plumbing for emergency plumbing service 

The faster the leak is isolated, the better the chance of minimizing damage to your home. 

Why Pipes Burst in Phoenix 

While freezing temperatures are less common in Arizona, burst pipes still happen regularly in the Phoenix area due to: 

• Aging pipes 

• High water pressure 

• Corrosion 

• Poor previous plumbing repairs 

• Slab leaks 

• Extreme temperature changes in attics 

• Hard water mineral buildup damaging plumbing components 

Many homeowners do not realize they have a plumbing issue until a pipe suddenly fails. 

The Best Way To Prepare for a Plumbing Emergency 

One of the best things you can do as a homeowner is test your shut off valves once a year. 

At Robins Plumbing, we recommend having your plumbing system inspected annually to ensure: 

• Main shut off valves are functional 

• Emergency fixture valves operate properly 

• Water pressure is safe 

• Potential leaks are identified early 

The last thing you want during a plumbing emergency is discovering your shut off valve no longer works. 

Want To Help Prevent Flood Damage Altogether? 

Even small plumbing leaks can cause major damage if they go unnoticed. 

That’s why many homeowners are installing LeakSecure automatic leak detection systems. LeakSecure can detect abnormal water flow and automatically shut off the water to your home before a major flood occurs. 

Floods can happen while you’re sleeping, at work, or away on vacation. Leak detection technology adds another layer of protection for your home, flooring, cabinets, and belongings. 

Burst Pipe Emergency in Phoenix? Call Robins Plumbing 

If you have a burst pipe, active leak, or flooding emergency, call Robins Plumbing right away. 

We proudly serve homeowners throughout the Phoenix area with emergency plumbing services designed to protect your home, minimize damage, and restore your plumbing system quickly. 

Because at Robins Plumbing, we speak homeowner, we educate and empower, and we provide a higher level of service.