Steps to take after pipe bursts in freezing temperatures [Video]

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – After a pipe bursts inside, experts want homeowners to swiftly take action.

Consumer Reports says just a small crack in your water pipe can cause more than $5,000 of damage.

Experts with the Alabaster Water Board said the first thing people need to do if their pipe bursts is to cut off the water coming into the house.

General Manager Laura Koon says that means going out to the street and opening your meter box.

“You should have a shut off valve there that can be turned off, but you’d want to stop the flow of water if you have a pipe that ruptures,” said Koon. “You might also want to isolate the house from the system. If you have an isolation valve in your garage you can go ahead and turn that off for the heavy freeze if its going to be really cold, and limit the exposure to …