Burst Pipe? Your First Ten Minutes
Whether it's a split pipe after a cold snap or a failed fitting on old supply pipe, the first few minutes decide how much damage a burst pipe does.
Request a plumber1. Shut off the water
Go straight to the main shut-off, usually where the water line enters the basement or crawl space. Close it fully.
2. Make it safe
If water is near outlets, the electrical panel or appliances, stay out of the water. Switch off power at the panel only if you can reach it from a dry spot.
3. Turn off the hot water tank
With the main off, turn the tank's gas valve to pilot or vacation, or switch off its breaker. This protects the tank while the water is off.
4. Drain the lines
Open the lowest tap in the house to drain the water left in the pipes. That reduces how much keeps leaking from the break.
5. Limit the damage
Move furniture and valuables, soak up water, and photograph everything for your insurer before cleanup. Run fans and a dehumidifier to start drying.
6. Get it repaired
Send a request describing where the pipe burst and what kind of pipe it is if you know. See emergency plumbing.
7. While you wait
Keep the main off, empty buckets and keep checking ceilings below the leak for sagging drywall, which can hold a surprising amount of water. Poke a small hole to drain a bulging ceiling into a bucket rather than letting it collapse. Don't use electrical outlets or lights in a wet area until they've been checked.
8. Prevent the next one
Once it's fixed, ask the plumber why it failed. A split from freezing needs insulation or rerouting; a failed fitting on old Poly-B or corroded copper may mean more of the system is near the end of its life.
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