A burst pipe is one of the most common causes of water damage in San Antonio homes. Whether caused by freezing temperatures, corrosion, or water pressure issues, a burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water per hour — causing catastrophic damage to floors, walls, and personal belongings.
Why Pipes Burst
Freezing temperatures — rare in San Antonio but devastating when it happens (as the 2021 winter storm proved)Corrosion — older homes with galvanized or copper pipes experience internal corrosion over timeHigh water pressure — pressure above 80 PSI stresses pipe joints and connectionsTree root intrusion — roots can infiltrate underground pipes and cause breaksAge and wear — pipe materials degrade over 20-50 yearsImmediate Steps When a Pipe Bursts
Shut off the main water valve immediately — every second countsOpen faucets to drain remaining water from the systemTurn off electricity to affected areasDocument damage with photos and video before cleanup beginsCall AST at (210) 599-9726 for emergency water extractionPrevention Tips for San Antonio Homeowners
Insulate exposed pipes in attics, garages, and crawl spaces before winterKnow where your main water shutoff valve is locatedHave your water pressure tested (should be 40-80 PSI)Replace aging galvanized pipes with PEX or copperDuring freezing weather, let faucets drip and open cabinet doors under sinksConsider a leak detection system with automatic shutoffThe Damage Timeline
Minutes 1-60: Water spreads across floors, soaks into carpet and baseboardsHours 1-24: Drywall absorbs moisture and begins to swell; furniture and belongings sustain damageHours 24-48: Mold spores begin to germinate on wet surfacesDays 3+: Structural damage, mold colonies, and potential electrical hazards developWhy Professional Response Matters
Household fans and towels cannot address a burst pipe situation adequately. AST deploys commercial-grade equipment including truck-mounted extractors, industrial dehumidifiers, and air movers that can remove water and dry structures 10-20x faster than consumer equipment. Our 24/7 emergency team can be on-site within 60 minutes.
