When a pipe bursts in your home, water can spread faster than you think. Floors warp, ceilings sag, and personal belongings are at risk within minutes. For homeowners in Greenville, Spartanburg, Simpsonville, and across Upstate South Carolina, knowing what to do in the first moments after a burst pipe can mean the difference between a quick repair and thousands of dollars in water damage. This guide will walk you through the signs, steps, and solutions so you can protect your home and know when it’s time to call in the professionals.
There isn’t a precise statistic on how often pipes burst in this region, but they are most common when temperatures fall significantly below freezing. Once the thermometer dips under 32°F, pipes become vulnerable, and the risk increases sharply below 20°F—especially if the cold lasts for several hours or days.
Pipe material also plays a role. More flexible materials like PEX handle freezing better than rigid copper, PVC, or CPVC, which are far more prone to cracking. Homes with older plumbing or exposed pipes in crawl spaces are at higher risk.
“We see most burst pipe calls in January and February when temperatures dip below freezing,” says Scott, owner of Rehab Restoration. “It doesn’t take long for a frozen pipe to turn into a flooded home.”
A burst pipe doesn’t always start with a dramatic flood. Sometimes the warning signs appear quietly. You may notice discolored water flowing from faucets, an unexplained drop in water pressure, or utility bills climbing even though your usage hasn’t changed. In other cases, you’ll hear the sound of water running behind walls, see damp spots forming on ceilings, or feel soft flooring where water has collected underneath.
One Greenville homeowner shared how water damage appeared just as she was preparing to leave town. “They answered after 5 pm and had a team at my house within hours…they even came back the next day to check the house. I was able to leave for vacation knowing it was handled.” — Melody Y., Aug 2025
The first step is to stop the flow of water. Shut off the main valve immediately to prevent additional flooding. If water has reached outlets or appliances, cut the electricity at your breaker box for safety. Draining the system by opening faucets helps relieve pressure and move water out of the lines.
Removing standing water quickly can reduce the chance of mold growth. Towels and wet/dry vacuums can handle small amounts, but larger flooding requires professional equipment. Once the emergency is contained, call a professional plumber to address the broken pipe and a certified restoration company to handle the damage.
“Within 30 minutes of calling, the crew showed up—professional and prepared.” — William G., Aug 2024
The cost of repairing a burst pipe varies widely depending on where the damage is and how much water spread into your home. Homeowners in South Carolina can expect repairs to average around $500, though simple fixes may be as low as $200. When flooding affects floors, walls, or ceilings, restoration costs can climb to $3,000 or more. Acting fast can help keep costs closer to the low end.
One Upstate homeowner recalled: “A burst pipe caused extensive damage to my ceiling and hardwood floors. Rehab Restoration handled the whole process and got us back on track.” — Marilyn R., 2024
Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover sudden damage from burst pipes, but documenting everything is key to a smooth claim. Take photos and videos of the affected areas, note the time you discovered the damage, and save receipts from plumbers or contractors. Utility bills showing unusual water usage can also help support your claim. Restoration companies like Rehab Restoration often provide detailed reports for adjusters, making the process less stressful for homeowners.
Melody Y. explained how the team stepped in during her emergency: “They even met the insurance adjuster to clearly communicate the situation. Their communication from start to finish removed any anxiety.”
Not every burst pipe can be prevented, but homeowners in Upstate South Carolina can take steps to reduce their risk:
“After a pipe burst under our home, Rehab Restoration’s team did excellent work start to finish.” — Ben C., 2024
When a pipe bursts, focus on three things:
With Rehab Restoration, trained technicians arrive within hours, 24/7, bringing air movers, dehumidifiers, and specialized plumbing equipment to stop the leak and dry your home.
Rehab Restoration is IICRC-certified, carries an A+ BBB rating, and holds a 4.7-star Google rating from 90+ reviews. Homeowners across Greenville, Spartanburg, Simpsonville, Easley, Clemson, Anderson, Greer, Taylors, and the surrounding Upstate communities trust us to bring calm in the chaos.
“After a pipe burst at my property, they took care of everything and made it a very smooth process.” — Robert K., 2024
If you’re facing a burst pipe emergency, don’t wait. Call Rehab Restoration today at (864) 884-2949 for immediate help, or visit our Burst Pipe Repair Greenville page to learn more about protecting your home.
A burst pipe is every homeowner’s nightmare, but fast action makes all the difference. By shutting off the water, protecting your home, and calling certified professionals, you can reduce damage and speed up recovery. With 24/7 response and years of experience serving Upstate SC, Rehab Restoration is ready to help whenever disaster strikes.
Need help now? Call (864) 884-2949 — we’ll be there within hours.
Look for discolored water, a sudden drop in water pressure, damp walls/ceilings, or the sound of water running when no fixtures are on. An unexplained spike in your water bill can also be a clue. If you notice any of these, treat it as urgent.
Yes. A burst pipe can flood rooms within minutes and lead to mold and structural damage. Shut off your main water valve and call for emergency help immediately.
Common causes include freezing temperatures, corrosion/aging pipes, high water pressure, blockages, and tree roots damaging underground lines. In Upstate South Carolina, winter freezes and older plumbing are frequent culprits.
Find the main shut-off valve where the water line enters your home—often in a crawl space, basement, garage, or near the water heater. Turn the valve clockwise to stop the flow. If you can’t find it quickly, call us and we’ll guide you by phone.
Most policies cover sudden damage from a burst pipe, but not long-term neglect. Document everything with photos and receipts, and ask your restoration team for moisture readings and a work report to support your claim.
