Stay Calm — But Act Fast

A burst pipe can release a significant amount of water in a very short time. Every minute of delay increases the damage to walls, floors, ceilings, and belongings. The good news: knowing the right steps in advance lets you respond quickly and confidently, even in a stressful moment.

Step 1: Shut Off the Main Water Supply Immediately

This is the single most important action you can take. Find your main water shutoff valve and turn it off now. Common locations include:

  • Near the water meter (often in the basement, utility room, or outside near the foundation)
  • Under the kitchen sink in some homes
  • In a crawl space or garage

Turn the valve clockwise to close it. If you have a ball valve, turn it 90 degrees so the handle is perpendicular to the pipe. Open a faucet on the lowest floor to drain remaining water from the lines and relieve pressure.

Important: Know where this valve is before an emergency happens. Walk through your home today and locate it.

Step 2: Turn Off the Water Heater

With the main water supply off, turn off your water heater as well. If it's a gas unit, set it to "pilot." If it's electric, switch off the circuit breaker. Continuing to heat water with no supply can damage the unit or cause overheating.

Step 3: Turn Off Electricity in Affected Areas

Water and electricity are a deadly combination. If water is leaking near electrical outlets, appliances, or has pooled on the floor, go to your electrical panel and shut off the circuits for the affected areas. If you're unsure or if water is near the panel itself, call an electrician or your utility company before entering the area.

Step 4: Document the Damage

Before you start cleaning up, take photos and videos of all visible damage — burst pipes, water-stained ceilings, flooded floors, and damaged belongings. This documentation is essential for your home insurance claim. Call your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the incident.

Step 5: Begin Water Removal

The faster water is removed, the less damage it causes. Use:

  • Towels and mops for smaller amounts
  • A wet/dry shop vacuum for larger pools
  • Buckets to bail water from deeper floods
  • A sump pump if the basement is flooded

Open windows and doors (weather permitting) and use fans and dehumidifiers to begin drying out the space. Mold can begin growing within 24–48 hours of water exposure, so speed matters.

Step 6: Locate the Burst Pipe

Once the water is off and the immediate flooding is under control, try to identify where the pipe burst. Common signs include:

  • Visible water spraying or pooling near a pipe
  • Bulging, wet, or discolored drywall or ceiling
  • Water dripping from light fixtures or ceiling seams

Do not attempt to open walls to expose pipes unless you have plumbing experience. Mark the area and describe it clearly to the plumber you call.

Step 7: Apply a Temporary Fix (If Safe to Do So)

If the burst is accessible and minor, you can apply a temporary repair to reduce further damage until the plumber arrives:

  • Pipe repair clamp: A rubber-lined metal clamp that wraps around a cracked section of pipe. Available at most hardware stores.
  • Rubber pipe patch: A section of rubber secured with hose clamps — good for small holes.
  • Pipe repair tape: Self-fusing silicone tape that can seal minor leaks temporarily.

These are emergency measures only — they are not permanent solutions and must be replaced by a licensed plumber.

Step 8: Call a Licensed Plumber

Contact a licensed plumber immediately. Most plumbing companies offer emergency services 24/7. Describe the location of the burst, what type of pipe it appears to be, and what temporary measures you've taken. A professional can assess the full extent of the damage and make lasting repairs.

After the Emergency: Prevention Going Forward

Once repairs are complete, take steps to prevent future burst pipes: insulate exposed pipes, maintain indoor heat during winter, and consider installing a whole-home water leak detector that can automatically shut off supply when a leak is detected. Being proactive is always cheaper than emergency repairs.