What we do when a pipe bursts
We remove the standing water, trace where it traveled with moisture readings, set up drying equipment and document the damage for your claim.
- Talk you through it. When you call, we help you shut off the water and stay safe until we arrive.
- Remove the water. We extract standing water from floors, carpet and pad. Read how water extraction works.
- Find hidden moisture. Readings show where the water went inside walls, under flooring and into cabinets.
- Dry the structure. Air movers and dehumidifiers run until readings show the materials are dry. Read about structural drying.
- Document everything. Photos, readings and drying records for you and your adjuster.
Why pipes burst in an Oklahoma freeze
Water expands as it freezes and builds pressure inside the pipe. Pipes in attics, crawl spaces and outside walls are most at risk in a hard freeze.
The leak often shows up when the pipe thaws and water starts moving again, sometimes hours after the cold snap. If you find water after a freeze, shut off the main valve first. Our guide to the first hour after a frozen pipe bursts covers the rest.
Insurance and burst pipes
A sudden pipe burst is often treated differently from a slow leak. Your carrier decides what’s covered, and we document the loss for your claim.
We share our photos, readings and drying records with you and your adjuster. Read more about how a claim works with United.
