What to Do When Pipes Burst & Water Damage Results

Broken pipes don’t wait for a convenient time. Whether it’s a quiet night at home or a busy Monday morning, water rushing where it shouldn’t stop everything. We’ve seen it all—flooded basements, soaked ceilings, buckling floors, and panicked homeowners trying to figure out what to do next. The truth is, burst pipes can cause serious damage fast. But with quick action and the right support, that damage doesn’t have to become a disaster.

At Red Truck Disaster Response, we specialize in helping people recover after water-related emergencies. We’re not plumbers—but we partner with trusted ones. Our job is to handle the water, the mess, and the aftermath, so everything is safe, dry, and ready for repairs.

Why Pipes Burst in the First Place

Understanding why pipes break can help you avoid future incidents. Some of the most common causes we encounter include:

• Freezing temperatures: In cold weather, water inside pipes can freeze and expand, causing the pipe to burst. Even here in the Treasure Valley, cold snaps can sneak up fast.
• Old or corroded pipes: Over time, pipes wear out. Older homes, especially those with galvanized steel or copper plumbing, are at higher risk.
• Poor installation or faulty materials: Sometimes, a pipe fails because it was never installed correctly to begin with.
• Shifting soil or foundation issues: Movement beneath a structure can crack or dislodge pipes.
• High water pressure: Excessive pressure stresses plumbing systems and weakens them over time.

No matter the cause for burst pipes, the result can be the same: sudden, widespread water damage.

What to Do First When Pipes Burst

When a pipe bursts, time matters. The first few steps can make all the difference in minimizing damage:

• Shut off the main water supply immediately to stop the flow of water.
• Turn off electricity in affected areas if water is near outlets or appliances.
• Call us to handle the water damage, extraction, and drying process.
• We may end up contacting one of our trusted plumbers to identify the break and stop the leak at the source.

While plumbers repair the pipe, we endeavor to address everything else. We extract standing water, assess moisture levels in walls and flooring, and set up professional drying equipment to prevent secondary damage like mold or structural weakening.

Why Water Damage Needs Immediate Attention

We often arrive on-site within 45 minutes of a call. That’s because water damage doesn’t wait. Within just a few hours, water can soak into drywall, warp wood, and creep into spaces you can’t see. Left unaddressed, it opens the door to mold growth, rot, and lingering odors.

Our team uses advanced moisture detection tools to identify hidden damage. Even if everything looks dry on the surface, water might be trapped behind baseboards, under flooring, or inside walls. We take a thorough, methodical approach to remove all moisture and prevent long-term problems.

Not Just Homes—Businesses, Too

Pipes Burst in homes and businesses. We’ve helped businesses in Boise, Meridian, and across the Treasure Valley bounce back from burst plumbing incidents. In commercial spaces, time is even more critical. Downtime costs money, and unsafe conditions can force closures.

We move fast, coordinate with plumbers and insurance providers, and create a plan that gets businesses back up and running as soon as possible. From server rooms to retail showrooms, we tailor our cleanup and restoration work to each space’s needs.

The Red Truck Difference: What We Handle

Here’s what we typically take care of in broken pipe situations:

• Water extraction (including flooded crawlspaces and basements)
• Moisture detection and mapping
• Drying and dehumidification
• Sanitization of affected areas
• Removal of damaged building materials
• Coordination with your plumber and contractor
• Documentation for insurance claims

When plumbers arrive at a water-logged scene, they often can’t start work until the area is dry and safe. That’s where we come in first—making the space ready for them to do what they do best.

Preventing Future Pipe Breaks

Once the immediate crisis passes, we always take time to talk with clients about prevention. No one wants a repeat disaster. Some practical steps include:

• Insulating exposed pipes, especially in garages, crawlspaces, and exterior walls
• Checking for signs of corrosion or leaks during seasonal maintenance
• Installing water pressure regulators if your system runs high
• Keeping your home heated above 55°F during cold spells, even if you’re away
• Scheduling regular inspections of aging plumbing systems

We’re happy to walk through your space and point out areas of risk. Prevention doesn’t eliminate all surprises, but it can certainly reduce them.

Local, Responsive, and Ready
As a locally owned and operated disaster response team, we know the Treasure Valley—its homes, its weather, and its quirks. We’re not a national franchise with a long response chain. When you call us, we show up fast and work closely with your plumber, contractor, or insurance agent to make things as smooth as possible.

Pipe bursts are frustrating. But with the right help, they don’t have to derail your home or business for long.

Call Us When the Water Starts Flowing

If you’re staring at water coming from your ceiling, floor, or walls, don’t panic. Shut off the water, give us a call—and then we’ll help arrange for a plumber to join, if necessary.

We’re available 24/7 for emergencies across Boise, Meridian, and the surrounding Treasure Valley. Whether pipes burst, a sump pump fails, or water goes where it shouldn’t be, we’re ready to help restore order.

About Red Truck Disaster Response in Boise, Idaho

Red Truck Disaster Response was established in 2016. Through our experience working for a national franchise, we have seen first-hand how larger companies fail to provide the level of customer service their clients need and deserve when we are going through a loss to their home. We started Red Truck and made the conscious decision to put service first. Our clients are our highest priority. With a focus on professional and supportive service and open communication, we help our clients restore both their homes and their lives after a disaster. We will work with any insurance company and can handle any size loss. If you face a loss of any kind, 24/7, call our hotline (208) 336-3853 and we’ll be happy to help!

This blog is for informational purposes only. If you have questions about your specific situation, we will be happy to come out and look at no charge. Inspections are always free.