Burst Pipe Water Damage in Louisville, KY

Why pipes burst in Louisville

Louisville averages about 74 nights a year at or below freezing, and about 13 days when the temperature never climbs above freezing. That's enough cold to stress pipes, especially in older homes with uninsulated crawl spaces or exterior walls.

What makes Louisville tricky is the sudden swings. Below-zero temperatures are rare here, so homes and pipes aren't always built for them. On December 23, 2022, temperatures dropped 50 degrees in 12 hours, falling below zero with wind chills near 30 below. Louisville's all-time record low is -22°F, set January 19, 1994. Cold like that catches houses off guard.

Louisville Water says most "no water" calls during a deep freeze turn out to be frozen pipes on the customer's side of the line. If only one or two faucets are dry, that's probably what's happening.

What to do right now

The most important thing: shut off the main water valve before anything else.

Louisville Water's advice is to shut the main first, then open the faucets so pressure can escape as the pipes thaw. Pressure building up in the lines is what bursts pipes, and open faucets let it out as things thaw.

If you don't know where your main shutoff valve is, find it now. It's usually on the lowest level of the house, near where the water line comes in. Louisville Water gives out free waterproof tags for the valve at its Third Street and Shepherdsville offices. Tagging it now means anyone in the house can find it in an emergency.

One more thing to know: Louisville Water installs the service line from the main, and the line on your property is yours.

Which pipes are most likely to freeze

Louisville Water points to a few common spots:

• Pipes under kitchen sinks
• Pipes in crawl spaces
• Pipes near windows or in unheated basements

In extreme cold, keeping cabinet doors open under kitchen sinks and letting a cold faucet drip slowly can help prevent freezing. Louisville Water and Kentucky's Department of Insurance both suggest it.

What a restoration company does after a burst pipe

Once the water is off and the pipe itself is repaired (that's usually a plumber's job, not a restoration company's), a water damage company typically extracts the standing water, then sets up drying equipment.

The goal is to get wet materials dry within 24 to 48 hours. The EPA says that's the window where mold growth is unlikely. After that, moisture that's soaked into walls, flooring, or framing becomes a longer problem.

A restoration company may use moisture meters to find water that's moved behind walls or under floors, even where it isn't visible. Materials that can't be dried adequately are typically removed. With pipe burst water damage, the sooner drying starts, the better.

Insurance: what to check

Homeowners policies are generally written for sudden, accidental water damage. A burst pipe usually fits that description. Slow leaks and wear and tear are common exclusions, so the timing and cause matter.

Standard homeowners forms typically cover a freeze only if you kept the heat on, or if you shut off and drained the water before the freeze. If the heat was off and the pipes weren't drained, your policy may not cover it. Read your policy or ask your agent before assuming.

Take photos before anything is moved. Keep receipts for everything, including any emergency supplies. The Kentucky Department of Insurance advises meeting the adjuster before signing repair contracts, and notes that emergency water removal to stop further damage is a separate matter.

How to choose a water damage company

Get a written contract before work starts. It should include what will be done, the total cost, and a completion date. Never pay the full amount before the job is finished.

Ask for references. The Kentucky Department of Insurance recommends getting a written contract and not paying in full upfront. If your insurer is involved, the KDOI says to meet the adjuster before committing to permanent repairs.

Frequently asked questions