A burst pipe is a stressful emergency. If you are dealing with a burst pipe, the most important thing to do is act quickly. This 7-step plan is to: shut off the main water, turn off electricity, call a plumber, drain all pipes, move belongings, document the damage, and begin calling your insurance provider. This article will show you exactly what to do if a pipe bursts, how to stop the water, and how to protect your home from serious water damage. Follow these steps in order. Quick action can save you thousands of dollars in water damage.
Do You Have a Burst Pipe? (The Warning Signs)
You may have a burst water pipe if you notice new water stains, a sudden drop in water pressure, or strange hissing sounds in your walls.
Not all water leaks are a full pipe burst. Look for these signs. If you see them, move to Step 1 right away.
- Sudden drop in water pressure: Sinks or showers suddenly have low flow.
- New water stains: Dark, damp spots appear on ceilings or walls.
- Strange noises: You hear hissing, spraying, or dripping sounds inside your walls.
- Puddles of water: Water is pooling under sinks, in your basement, or on the floor.
- High water bill: A sudden, unexplained spike in your water bill.
Your 7-Step Emergency Action Plan (The First Hour)
Your immediate plan is to shut off the main water, turn off the electricity, call a plumber, and then drain the remaining water from your pipes.
Step 1. Shut Off the Main Water Supply (Do This NOW)
The first thing you must do is find your home’s main water shutoff valve and close it. This is the most important step. It stops more water from flooding your home. Look in your basement, crawl space, or a utility closet. It is usually where the main pipe enters your house. It will be a wheel-style handle (turn it clockwise) or a lever-style handle (give it a quarter-turn).
Pro-Tip: If you cannot find the valve or it is stuck, call an emergency plumber immediately.
Step 2. Turn Off the Electricity (Safety First)
After the water is off, go to your main breaker box and shut off the electricity to the flooded areas.
Water and electricity are a dangerous mix. Go to your main breaker box and shut off the power. If you are not sure which breakers control the flooded areas, shut off the main breaker to the whole house.
CRITICAL WARNING: If you must stand in water to reach the breaker box, DO NOT touch it. Call an emergency plumber and an electrician right away.
Step 3. Call an Emergency Plumber
With the water and power off, your next call is to a emergency plumber.This problem needs a professional. Call an emergency plumber before you call your insurance. Why? The plumber stops the emergency and prevents more damage. The insurance company handles the claim after the problem is under control. Tell the plumber: “I have a burst pipe, the water is off, and my address is…”.
Step 4. Drain the Pipes to Relieve Pressure
Open your faucets to drain the remaining water from your pipes. Your pipes are still holding water. You need to drain them. Go to the highest faucet in your house (like a top-floor bathroom). Turn on the COLD water. Then, go to the lowest faucet in your house (like a basement sink) and turn on the COLD water. This lets air in and helps all remaining water drain out. Flush all toilets one time.
Also: Turn off your water heater. Look for the “Off” or “Vacation” setting. This stops it from overheating with no water in it.
Step 5. Document All Damage (For Insurance)
Use your smartphone to take photos and videos of all damage before you move or clean anything.
Take videos and photos of everything. This is your proof for the homeowner’s insurance company.
What to capture:
- The broken pipe itself, if you can see it.
- The standing water and how deep it is.
- All damaged items (furniture, rugs, electronics, walls).
- Water stains on ceilings and walls.
Step 6. Remove Water & Move Valuables
Start removing as much water as possible and move valuable items to a dry place.
The sooner you get the water out, the less damage you will have. This is the first step in water damage restoration. Move important items (computers, documents, photos) to a safe, dry place.
- For small puddles: Use mops, buckets, and old towels.
- For large floods: Use a wet/dry vacuum.
- Put a piece of aluminum foil under the legs of furniture to stop wood stains from bleeding into wet carpet.
Step 7. Call Your Homeowner’s Insurance Agent
Now that the emergency is under control, call your insurance agent to start a claim.
Have your photos and videos ready. Tell them what happened and that you have a plumber on the way.
Ask two key questions:
- “What is my coverage for this type of water damage?”
- “Do you have preferred water damage restoration companies I should call?”
Big Mistakes: What NOT to Do When a Pipe Bursts
Avoid costly mistakes. Do not wait to call for help, do not use a torch on frozen pipes, and do not touch electricals while in water.
In a panic, it is easy to do the wrong thing. These mistakes can be costly or dangerous.
- DO NOT wait to call for help. The water damage gets worse every minute.
- DO NOT use a torch or open flame to thaw a pipe you think is frozen. This is a major fire risk.
- DO NOT touch any electrical outlets, appliances, or the breaker box if you are standing in water.
- DO NOT assume a temporary fix is safe. “Repair sleeves” or pipe clamps are for emergencies only and can fail. Let a professional do the permanent emergency pipe repair.
How to Prevent Burst Pipes in the Future
You can prevent a future frozen pipe burst by insulating pipes, winterizing outside faucets, and keeping your heat on during cold weather.
An emergency is the best time to learn prevention.
- Insulate: Wrap pipes in cold areas (attics, basements, crawl spaces) with foam pipe insulation.
- Winterize: Disconnect garden hoses each fall. Shut off the water to outside faucets.
- During a Freeze: Let faucets connected to vulnerable pipes drip slowly. This keeps water moving.
- While on Vacation: Keep your heat set to at least 55°F (12°C). Never turn your heat completely off in winter.
- Maintenance: Once a year, test your main water shutoff valve to make sure it is not stuck.
From Panic to Prepared
A burst pipe is scary, but you can handle it.
By following these steps, you can take control of a stressful situation. Just remember the 3-Step process:
- Stop: Shut off the water and electricity.
- Control: Call a plumber and document the damage.
- Clean: Remove water and call your insurance.
For emergency repairs or preventative inspections, connect with our trusted network of plumbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first thing to do when a pipe bursts?
The very first thing you must do is shut off your home’s main water shutoff valve. This stops any more water from entering your pipes and flooding your house.
How do I turn off the water to my house?
Find the main water shutoff valve. It is usually in the basement, a crawl space, or a utility closet where the pipe enters your home. Turn the wheel-style handle clockwise, or pull the lever-style handle a quarter-turn.
Should I call my insurance first or a plumber?
Call an emergency plumber first. The plumber stops the emergency. The insurance company handles the claim. You must stop the water and prevent further damage before you file a claim.
Can I fix a burst pipe myself?
No. A burst pipe is an emergency that needs a professional emergency pipe repair. Temporary patches or DIY fixes like “repair sleeves” can fail and cause a second flood, leading to even more water damage.
