Emergencies
What to Do When a Pipe Bursts
Updated · By the Keystream Plumbing editorial team · How we research
Step 1: Shut off the water
Close the main shutoff valve: clockwise for a round handle, a quarter turn for a lever. If you can't find it or it won't turn, use the valve at the meter. Our guide to shutting off the water to your house shows where to look.
Step 2: Deal with electricity
Water and electricity are the real danger. If water is near outlets, appliances or the ceiling below a leak, switch off the breakers for those areas. If you would have to stand in water to reach the panel, stay out and call the electric utility or an electrician.
Step 3: Drain the lines
Open the lowest cold faucet in the house and flush the toilets to empty the pipes, which stops the dripping at the break. If a hot-water line burst, shut off the water heater: the breaker for electric, the Off or Pilot setting for gas.
Step 4: Contain and document
Put a bucket under the break, move furniture and rugs, and soak up standing water. If a ceiling is bulging with water, stay out from under it. Photograph and video everything before cleanup; your insurer will want to see the pipe and the damage.
Step 5: Call a plumber, then start drying
A plumber replaces the split section and checks the rest of the run, since a freeze usually damages more than one spot. See burst pipe repair for what the visit involves. Run fans and a dehumidifier in the meantime. Wet drywall, insulation and carpet pad can grow mold within one to two days, so soaked materials may need professional drying.
Can I patch it myself?
A pipe repair clamp or self-fusing silicone tape can hold a small split for a short time if you need water before the plumber arrives. Treat it as temporary and don't leave the house with a patched line under pressure.
Frequently asked questions
Should I turn off the water heater if a pipe bursts?
Yes, if the main will be off for more than a short time or the burst is on a hot line. Switch off the breaker for an electric heater or set a gas heater to Pilot so it does not heat an empty or partly drained tank.
Does homeowners insurance cover a burst pipe?
Sudden, accidental bursts are commonly covered, including the resulting water damage. Damage from a long-term leak or from leaving a home unheated may be excluded. Check your policy and report the claim promptly.
How fast does mold grow after a pipe bursts?
Mold can start on wet drywall, wood and carpet pad within 24 to 48 hours, which is why drying should start right away.
Sources
- Frozen pipes: prevention and thawing, American Red Cross
Editorial note: This guide is general information for homeowners, not a substitute for an on-site assessment. Local codes and conditions vary; a licensed pro can confirm what applies to your home. See our editorial policy.
