Why did my pipe burst when it wasn't frozen?

What to do right now

1. Turn off the water at the main. The Red Cross says to turn off the water at the main valve if pipes are damaged and call a plumber (Red Cross). FEMA notes the main valve may be where the pipe enters the house, with a second valve often near the meter (FEMA).
2. Keep clear of wet wiring. Ready.gov says not to check the electrical system if you are wet or standing in water (Ready.gov).
3. Take photos of the break and anything wet before cleanup starts.

Water pressure that is too high

Atlanta's Department of Watershed Management warns that excessive or uneven pressure strains pipes, and that extra pressure could cause leaks or even a burst pipe (Atlanta Watershed Management). EPA WaterSense says fixtures operate as designed when incoming pressure is between 45 and 60 psi, and that a home may have a pressure-regulating valve to hold it in that range (EPA WaterSense).

You can test it yourself. EPA WaterSense describes turning off every fixture, threading a pressure gauge from the hardware store onto an outside hose bib and opening the tap fully. If the reading is much higher than 60 psi, a professional can adjust or install a pressure-regulating valve (EPA WaterSense).

Pipe that has worn out

Washington's insurance commissioner puts it plainly: plumbing doesn't last forever, no matter what it's made of, and original pipes in older homes may have outlived their expected lifespan (Washington OIC). If your home has gray plastic supply pipe stamped PB2110, read about polybutylene pipe, a material with a long record of failures.

Will insurance cover it?

A sudden burst usually counts as the kind of damage home insurance is built for. The Insurance Information Institute says the standard HO-3 policy covers accidental discharge of water from a plumbing system (Insurance Information Institute). Washington's insurance commissioner adds that gradual leaks are usually not covered, and that insurers expect you to report water damage quickly (Washington OIC). More on claims: burst pipe insurance in Atlanta.

After the pipe is fixed

The EPA says water-damaged areas should be dried within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth (EPA). If water soaked into drywall, floors or cabinets, a restoration company can dry the structure. See leaks behind drywall on 404 Water Damage.

Common questions

Does the plumber need a permit to fix it?

In Atlanta, the city's plumbing permit form lists emergency repair or replacement of leaking concealed piping when the new pipe runs more than 5 feet, along with altering piping inside a wall, ceiling or floor (City of Atlanta). Ask your plumber whether your repair needs one.

Is the water company responsible?

Only for its side of the meter. Atlanta Watershed Management says the city repairs the line from the main to the meter and the homeowner repairs from the meter to the house (Atlanta Watershed Management).