Burst pipe: what to do in the first hour

Quick answer

Shut off the water at your main shut-off valve right away, or at the water meter if you cannot reach the valve. Keep away from electrical outlets, switches and appliances in wet areas, then call a licensed plumber and start drying the area as soon as it is safe.

Safety first: Never touch electrical switches, cords or appliances while standing in water. If water has reached outlets or the electrical panel and you cannot shut off power from a dry spot, stay out of the area and have an electrician turn it off.

What to do now

  1. Close the main water shut-off valve. If a pipe breaks, close the main shut-off valve immediately. It is commonly in the basement, garage, or outside by the foundation, often near the front faucet. If you cannot reach it, turn the water off at the water meter. Source: Prevent Frozen Pipes and If One Breaks - City of Bellevue Utilities
  2. Keep water and electricity apart. If there is standing water and you can turn off the main power from a dry location, do so. Never turn power on or off, or use an electric tool or appliance, while standing in water. Source: Safety Guidelines: Reentering Your Flooded Home - CDC
  3. Call a plumber. The American Red Cross advises that if a pipe bursts, you turn off the water at the main valve and call a plumber. Source: Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes - American Red Cross
  4. Check other pipes, and thaw them safely. If one pipe freezes, others may be frozen too, so check the other faucets in the home. Thaw frozen sections with a heating pad, hair dryer or towels soaked in hot water, keep cords away from water, and never use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, or any other open flame. Source: Winter Storms: Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes - Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
  5. Photograph the damage before you throw anything out. Take photos and videos of the damage to the structure and your belongings before discarding items, and keep receipts for anything you buy to repair or replace damaged property. Source: How to Document Damages After Severe Weather Events - FEMA
  6. Start drying within 24 to 48 hours. Dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to help prevent mold growth. Fans, dehumidifiers and a wet vacuum all speed up drying. Source: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home - US EPA

When to call a professional

Call a licensed plumber to find and repair the break before the water is turned back on. If water has soaked floors, walls or ceilings, a water damage restoration company can extract water and dry the structure; ask how they will confirm the area is fully dry and whether they will work with your insurance company.

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Pick your state and city on the directory page, or use the location search at the top of this page, then call a local company directly.

Insurance

Photograph and video the damage inside and outside before discarding anything, keep receipts, and consult your insurance company before signing any cleanup or remediation agreement. Source: official guidance

Frequently asked questions

Where is my main water shut-off valve?

It is commonly in the basement, garage, or outside by the foundation, often near the front faucet. If you cannot find or reach it, the water can be turned off at the water meter.

Can I use a torch or space heater to thaw a frozen pipe?

Never use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove or other open flame; they are a serious fire hazard and can release carbon monoxide. A heating pad, hair dryer, or towels soaked in hot water are safer options.

How fast do I need to dry things out?

The EPA recommends drying water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to help prevent mold growth.

General safety information, not professional advice. In an emergency, call 911. More guides: home emergencies: what to do first.