Burst Pipe Cleanup in Hinesville, GA

Common causes in Hinesville homes

Hard freezes are rare in coastal Georgia, which means many pipes in attics, exterior walls and garages aren't insulated. When a cold snap does arrive — as it has several winters recently — those lines can split. Year-round, the more common culprits are:

• Failed water heater tanks, often in garages or interior closets
• Braided supply lines under sinks and toilets
• Washing machine hoses
• Refrigerator ice-maker lines
• Slab leaks under concrete foundations
• PEX or CPVC fittings that loosen with age

Shut off the water first

Find your main shutoff before you need it. In many Liberty County homes it's a valve in the garage or near the water heater; otherwise it's at the meter box near the street (you may need a meter key). For a water heater leak, also close the cold supply valve on top of the tank and turn off the gas or breaker.

Signs of a hidden leak

• A water bill that jumps without explanation
• Warm spots on a tile or concrete floor (possible hot-water slab leak)
• Musty smell, bubbling paint or swollen baseboards
• The sound of running water when everything is off

A plumber fixes the pipe; a restoration provider dries the structure. You'll usually need both, and the restoration crew can often recommend a plumber.