What to Do When a Pipe Bursts

A burst pipe is one of the most stressful plumbing emergencies a homeowner can face. Water can pour into your home at a rate of hundreds of gallons per hour, damaging floors, walls, furniture, and electrical systems within minutes. The actions you take in the first few minutes can make the difference between a manageable repair and a catastrophic insurance claim. This step-by-step guide tells you exactly what to do — calmly and quickly.

Step 1: Shut Off the Main Water Supply Immediately

Your first and most critical action is to stop the flow of water by shutting off your home's main water shutoff valve. Every second the water runs unchecked, more damage is being done. In most homes, the main shutoff valve is located in one of these places:

• In the basement or crawl space near where the main line enters the foundation
• In a utility room, laundry room, or mechanical closet
• Outside the home near the water meter (often in a ground-level box)
• On an exterior wall in a warmer climate

Turn the valve clockwise (righty-tighty) until it stops, or flip the lever 90 degrees if it's a ball valve. If you don't already know where your main shutoff is, take five minutes right now — before an emergency — to locate it and make sure it turns freely.

Step 2: Turn Off Electricity in the Affected Areas

Water and electricity are a deadly combination. If the burst pipe is near your electrical panel, light fixtures, outlets, or any wiring — or if water is pooling near electrical equipment — go to your breaker box and shut off power to the affected areas of your home before entering them. If you're unsure which breaker controls those areas, shut off the main breaker entirely.

Do not step into a room where water has pooled on the floor if there is any possibility that electricity is live in that space. This is not worth the risk under any circumstances.

Step 3: Open Faucets to Drain the Pipes

After shutting off the main water supply, open the cold-water faucets nearest to the burst pipe to drain any water still sitting in the pipes. This step relieves pressure in the system and helps move water away from the damaged section faster. For thoroughness, flush toilets and open faucets throughout the affected area. Leave the faucets open until a licensed plumber has assessed and repaired the damage.

Step 4: Contain and Remove Standing Water

Every minute water sits on your floors or inside your walls, the damage compounds. Grab every towel, mop, and bucket you can find and start removing standing water immediately. If you own or can quickly rent a wet-dry vacuum, use it — it's far faster than mopping. If floor drains are slow to clear the water, a powerful drain unblocker can help — see our recommended drain unblockers here. Lay down plastic sheeting to protect unaffected flooring and move furniture, electronics, rugs, and valuables out of the wet area.

This step is critical not just for the immediate damage but for preventing mold. Mold can begin growing in as little as 24 to 48 hours in wet conditions. The faster you remove the water, the less risk of a long-term mold problem that can be expensive and harmful to your family's health.

Step 5: Document All Damage Before Cleanup

Before you do any significant cleanup or call in contractors, take thorough photos and video of everything: the burst pipe itself, all water-damaged surfaces (walls, ceilings, floors), affected belongings, and the full extent of flooding. Note the exact time and date the incident occurred. This documentation is essential if you plan to file a homeowner's insurance claim and can significantly speed up the reimbursement process.

Continue documenting as cleanup and repairs progress, including any drying equipment you use. Keep all receipts from plumbers, restoration companies, and equipment rentals.

Step 6: Call a Licensed Emergency Plumber

Once you've done everything you can to stop the flow and minimize immediate damage, call a licensed plumber right away. Make clear that you're dealing with a burst pipe — most plumbing companies offer 24/7 emergency services and will prioritize your call. When you reach them, be ready to describe:

• Where the burst pipe appears to be located
• How long the water was running before you shut it off
• Whether you've successfully shut off the main supply
• The approximate extent of the visible damage

A qualified plumber will assess whether the burst section can be repaired or whether a pipe replacement is needed. They can also check for any hidden damage behind walls or under floors that isn't visible to the naked eye.

Step 7: Contact Your Home Insurance Provider

After calling a plumber, contact your homeowner's insurance company to report the incident. Most standard homeowner's policies cover sudden and accidental water damage from burst pipes, though they typically exclude gradual leaks caused by deferred maintenance. Have your documentation ready — photos, video, timestamps — and follow your insurer's specific instructions for any additional inspections or repair authorization they require before work begins.

Ask your insurer about temporary housing coverage if the damage makes your home uninhabitable, and whether they have a preferred list of restoration contractors.

How to Prevent Pipes from Bursting in the Future

Once the crisis is resolved, take these steps to dramatically reduce the risk of it happening again:

• Know where your main shutoff valve is and test it annually to make sure it operates freely
• Insulate pipes in unheated areas — basements, attics, garages, crawl spaces, and exterior walls — before winter arrives
• Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F during cold snaps, even when you're away from home
• Let faucets drip slightly when temperatures drop below freezing overnight to keep water moving
• Have a licensed plumber inspect your system every few years, especially if your home is older than 20 years
• Install smart water leak detectors near appliances, water heaters, and under sinks
• Know the warning signs: reduced water pressure, discolored water, or unexplained spikes in your water bill