If a pipe bursts in the attic, shut off the main water valve right away and keep everyone out from under wet or sagging ceilings. Water from an attic break flows down into the rooms below, so protecting those rooms and avoiding wet light fixtures comes next.
Why Attic Pipes Are at Risk
Some homes have water lines running through the attic to reach upstairs bathrooms or other fixtures. Attics can get very cold in winter, and insulation may not fully cover the pipes. Lines near roof vents, eaves, or gaps in insulation are most likely to freeze and split.
Steps to Take Right Away
- Close the main water valve
- Stay out from under any ceiling that is bulging or dripping
- Do not touch light switches or fixtures in wet rooms
- Move furniture and electronics out of the rooms below
- Place buckets and towels under drips
Do not try to drain a bulging ceiling yourself. It can collapse without warning.
Checking the Attic
Only enter the attic if it is safe to do so. Walk only on framing, not on the ceiling drywall between joists. Wet insulation is heavy and can hide water pooling on the ceiling below. Use a flashlight, not a corded light, and avoid wet wiring.
After the Leak Is Stopped
Wet attic insulation usually needs to be removed and replaced, since it loses its ability to insulate and can hold moisture against the ceiling. Ceilings below may need to be opened to dry. Take photos for insurance before cleanup.
Once repaired, the pipe should be better protected, or rerouted through a warmer part of the house if possible.
When a line in the attic has split, having the frozen section replaced before restoring water is essential. To find out whether other pipes run through cold spaces, you can ask a plumber to check the attic lines by calling (833) 603-1840.