Burst pipe right now? Shut off your main water supply immediately, then call us at (403) 771-5925. We'll guide you through the next steps.
Why Burst Pipes Are a Calgary Emergency
Calgary's climate makes burst pipes one of the most common plumbing emergencies we respond to. When temperatures drop sharply — as they often do during Alberta winters — water inside pipes can freeze and expand, cracking or rupturing the pipe. As temperatures rise again, the water flows freely, often into walls, ceilings, or floors before anyone notices.
Even without freezing, pipes can burst due to age, corrosion, high water pressure, or physical damage. Older homes in NE Calgary and other established neighbourhoods sometimes have galvanized steel or older copper pipes that have become brittle over decades of use. A sudden pressure surge can cause a failure without any warning.
The damage from a burst pipe can escalate quickly. Within minutes, water can saturate drywall, insulation, and flooring. Within hours, mould can begin to develop in wet materials. The faster you can stop the flow and get a professional repair done, the less damage you'll face — and the lower your repair costs will be.
Signs You Have a Burst or Leaking Pipe
- Water flowing from a wall, ceiling, or floor with no obvious source.
- A sudden, unexplained drop in water pressure throughout your home.
- Wet or discoloured patches on walls, ceilings, or floors.
- The sound of running water when no fixtures are in use.
- An unexpectedly high water bill (indicating a hidden leak).
- Frost or ice visible on exposed pipes in cold areas of your home.
What To Do Immediately
- Shut off your main water supply. In most Calgary homes, the main shut-off valve is in the utility room, near the water meter, or in the mechanical room. Turn it clockwise to close.
- Turn off your water heater. If you've shut off the main supply, turn off the water heater to prevent it from running dry and overheating.
- Move valuables and electronics away from any standing water.
- Take photos and video of the damage for your insurance claim before any cleanup.
- Call us at (403) 771-5925 and we'll dispatch a plumber to your address.
For a more detailed guide, read our blog post: What To Do Before Your Emergency Plumber Arrives in Calgary.
Our Burst Pipe Repair Process
When we arrive, we follow a systematic process to stop the damage and make a lasting repair:
- Locate the break: We identify the exact location of the burst or leak, which may require opening a wall or ceiling panel.
- Isolate the section: We isolate the affected pipe section so water can be restored to the rest of your home while we work.
- Assess the damage: We evaluate the extent of the pipe damage and check for secondary damage to surrounding materials.
- Repair or replace: Depending on the extent of the damage, we either repair the affected section or replace a longer run of pipe to prevent future failures nearby.
- Test and restore: We test the repair under pressure, restore water supply, and check for any remaining leaks.
- Advise on next steps: We give you honest advice on whether other pipes in your home may be at risk, and what you can do to reduce that risk.
Preventing Burst Pipes in Calgary
While we're always here for emergencies, prevention is always better than repair. Our blog post on preventing frozen pipes in Calgary winters covers practical steps you can take to protect your home, including insulating vulnerable pipes, maintaining a minimum temperature when you're away, and knowing where your shut-off valve is before you need it.
For information on how the City of Calgary handles water main breaks and related municipal infrastructure, visit the City of Calgary wastewater services page.
Ready to Fix Your Burst Pipe?
Call our 24 hour plumber Calgary line at (403) 771-5925 right now. We're available around the clock and will dispatch a licensed plumber to your Calgary address as quickly as possible. You can also book online for non-urgent leak repairs.