Stop a Gushing Pipe Under Your Kitchen Sink in Seconds

Returning home to find water spewing from under your kitchen sink is every homeowner's nightmare. A burst pipe can unleash hundreds of gallons of water, destroying cabinets, floors, and drywall in minutes. When a sink pipe ruptures, you need to act fast to stop the flow of water and mitigate damage. Follow these steps to shut off a gushing pipe and take control of the situation in seconds.

Locate the Source of the Burst Under the Sink

The first step is to pinpoint exactly where the water is coming from. Check under the kitchen sink for pooling water, dripping areas, or spray shooting out from pipes. Trace leaks back to the source by following the water trail. Burst pipes most often occur at joints and connections. Check compression fittings that join pipe segments, elbow joints that change direction, and tee connections that split off to appliances. High-pressure areas beneath the sink near the shutoff valves are also prone to bursts.

Inspect all water lines under the sink, including the main cold water supply line, hot water line, and drain assembly. If you have copper pipes, look for a puncture or split in the line. PEX tubing is more likely to leak at fittings. With galvanized steel, check for corrosion-induced cracks and pinhole leaks.

Also check areas that may have been exposed to freezing temperatures, as frozen water inside pipes expands and ruptures the line. Bursts often appear in sections against exterior walls or where pipes are exposed to cold drafts.

Warning Signs of a Burst

• Water leaking from under the sink
• Low water pressure or no flow from the faucet
• Gurgling sounds coming from pipes
• Water spots on the ceiling, cabinets, or walls

Immediately Shut Off the Water Supply

After locating the leak, your next urgent step is to shut off the water supply to stop additional water from spewing out of the burst pipe. Start by closing the main shutoff valve located where the main water line enters your home. This will stop all water flow into the house. The valve is usually found in the basement, crawlspace, garage, or near the exterior hose bib. Turn the valve clockwise to close.

You should also turn off the individual shutoff valves specific to the kitchen sink if they are present. There are typically two shutoffs under the sink, one for the cold water line and one for hot. Rotate them clockwise to close. This provides added insurance to halt water to the burst pipe.

Simply turning off the faucet will not stop the flow if the burst is downstream of the shutoff valve. You need to stop water at its source with the main and under-sink valves. These emergency shutoffs instantly stop water gushing from the rupture.

Tools to Stop the Flow

• Adjustable wrench or pliers to turn off shutoff valves
• Buckets and towels to catch water
• Rags or towels to apply pressure to burst

Contain the Water Leakage

With the water shut off, place buckets underneath and around the burst pipe to catch water draining out of the line. Place towels both over and under the sink to absorb leakage. Wedge rags or towels directly into the burst area to apply pressure and temporarily slow the flow. If water overflow becomes unmanageable, use a wet/dry shop vacuum to remove pooled water as quickly as possible.

Also turn off any appliances with supply lines tied into the leaking pipe, like the dishwasher or garbage disposal. Shutting off the water supply stops additional flooding, while catching the remaining leakage prevents worsening water damage.

Inspect Damage from the Burst Pipe

With the flow stopped, assess areas under the sink for water damage. Check if cabinets, walls, or floors are soggy or delaminating from water exposure. Look for mold, mildew, and standing water which can lead to rot if left untreated. Pull out removable bottom cabinets and paneling to inspect hidden spots.

Also check around and below the sink for damage. Look for wet areas in ceilings, floors, and walls which require drying out. If drywall is saturated, it may need replacement to prevent mold. Significant water damage may require help from a professional restoration company. They have specialized tools to detect hidden moisture and accelerate drying.

Signs of Severe Water Damage

• Peeling or bubbling paint and wallpaper
• Cracked or warped cabinets and floors
• Mold growth
• Soft, spongy drywall

Repair the Damaged Pipe Section

If the pipe burst is small, repairs can often be made by replacing just the affected portion. Start by cutting out the damaged pipe section. Copper is easiest to cut with a hacksaw. Use PEX cutters for plastic tubing. Galvanized steel requires a pipe cutter. Ensure cut ends are straight and even.

When connecting the new replacement pipe piece, use fittings suited for your pipe type. For copper, slide on couplings and sweat solder joints. PEX lines push together using special fittings. Galvanized steel threads back together with couplings. Ensure all connections are tight.

If the burst is on a joint rather than the pipe, simply unscrew the broken fitting and replace with a new one. Add sealant to prevent leaking. Turn the water supply back on and check for additional leaks. Flush lines to clear debris dislodged by the burst.

Common Replacement Parts

• Copper couplings, elbows, end caps
• PEX fittings including elbows, tees, adapters
• Galvanized threaded couplings and repair sleeves

Prevent Future Kitchen Pipe Bursts

To avoid repeat pipe ruptures, address the underlying cause of the initial burst. If it was due to excessive water pressure, install a whole-house pressure regulator. Insulate or heat trace pipes prone to freezing. Secure pipes to prevent sagging and strain.

Also consider proactive kitchen pipe upgrades during repairs. Replace corroded galvanized steel lines with durable crosslinked PEX tubing that resists scale buildup. Insulate copper and PEX to protect against shock from temperature fluctuations. Ensure shutoff valves are in good working order.

Pipe Burst Prevention Tips

• Maintain constant heat in winter
• Seal drafts and insulation gaps
• Heat trace or insulate pipes in cold spots
• Install pressure regulator if needed
• Secure pipes to prevent strain and sagging

Restore Water Supply Once Repaired

After completing repairs, turn the water supply back on. Slowly turn on the main shutoff valve first. Then open the under-sink valves to restore flow just to the kitchen. Turn on the faucet and check for leaks at fittings and pipe connections. If all is dry, open other household water shutoffs like appliance valves.

Run both hot and cold water lines for a few minutes to flush any particles dislodged by the burst. Check under cabinets and the base of walls for any residual dampness that may need drying. Monitor repaired areas over the next days for any new leakage or water damage.

Dealing with a burst kitchen pipe unleashing water requires urgent action. By knowing how to quickly locate the rupture, shut off the water supply, stop the gushing flow, and make repairs, you can take control of the situation in seconds. Stopping the water quickly limits damage and avoids the headache and expense of severe flooding. With the right preparation and response, you can tackle a burst pipe before it creates a wet disaster in your kitchen.