Burst Pipe in the Crawl Space

In many West Georgia homes, the water supply lines run through a vented crawl space, which is the coldest part of the house during a freeze. When one of those lines bursts, water pours onto the dirt floor, insulation and joists where nobody sees it. By the time someone notices, the crawl space may be flooded.

Signs of a burst pipe under the house

• Sound of running water under the floor when nothing is on
• Sudden drop in water pressure
• The water meter spinning with all fixtures off
• Damp, musty smell or higher humidity inside
• Soft, cold or bouncy spots in the floor
• A water bill that jumps unexpectedly

What to do right now

1. Shut off the main waterIn crawl space homes, the main shutoff is often just inside the crawl space access. Otherwise, shut it off at the meter box near the street.
2. Turn off the water heaterSwitch off power (electric) or set gas to pilot so it doesn't heat an empty tank.
3. Stay safeDon't crawl into standing water near wiring, ductwork motors or the furnace.
4. DocumentPhotos from the crawl space entrance and any damage inside the house.
5. Call for helpA plumber for the pipe, and a restoration company to pump out water and dry the crawl space.

How crawl space cleanup works

• Pumping standing water off the vapor barrier or dirt floor
• Removing soaked insulation, which sags and holds moisture against the subfloor
• Drying joists and subfloor with commercial dehumidifiers, checked daily with moisture meters
• Antimicrobial treatment to help prevent mold on the wood
• Replacing insulation and the vapor barrier once everything is dry

Preventing the next one

• Insulate supply lines in the crawl space
• Close or cover vents during winter
• Consider sealing the crawl space long-term. Our sister site explains crawl space encapsulation.

See also: preventing frozen pipes · flooded crawl spaces