Plumbing emergencies
What to do after a burst pipe
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
Short answer
Shut off the main water valve first, then turn off electricity to any area where water is reaching outlets or appliances. Open the lowest faucet to drain the lines, photograph the damage before moving anything, and start removing water within hours, because mold can begin in 24 to 48 hours. Then call a plumber to repair the pipe and find out why it failed.
The first hour
Close the main shutoff
Usually where the water line enters the house: basement, crawlspace, garage or a utility closet. See how to shut off your water.
Make it electrically safe
If water is near outlets, cords or the panel, switch off those circuits at the breaker, or the main if you can reach it from a dry spot. Don't wade through water near live electrics.
Drain the system
Open the lowest faucet and an upstairs faucet to empty the lines and take pressure off the break.
Turn off the water heater
Set gas units to pilot or off, and switch off power to electric units so they don't heat an empty tank.
Document, then protect
Photograph and video the break, the water line on walls and damaged belongings, then move what you can to a dry area.
Drying out
- Mop and wet-vac standing water; push it out of doorways rather than letting it soak into subfloors.
- Pull up wet rugs and padding; padding is usually discarded once soaked.
- Run fans and a dehumidifier, and open cabinets and closet doors.
- Cut out wet drywall insulation if it stays wet; hidden cavities hold water for days.
Find out why it burst
A plumber repairs the break and checks the cause: freezing, corrosion, high pressure or a failed fitting. If pressure is over about 80 psi, a pressure reducing valve protects the rest of the house. Frozen-pipe bursts often mean other lines in the same wall or crawlspace are at risk; see burst pipe repair.
Common questions
What is the very first thing to do when a pipe bursts?
Close the main water shutoff, then make wet areas electrically safe.
How fast can mold start after a pipe bursts?
Mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours on wet materials, so drying fast matters.
Should I turn off my water heater after a burst pipe?
Yes. With the water off, a heater can overheat or dry-fire; set gas to pilot and switch electric units off.
Should I call insurance or a plumber first after a burst pipe?
Stop the water and get the pipe repaired, but photograph everything first so the claim is documented.
Can I use the house after a burst pipe?
Once the water is off and wet areas are safe, yes, but don't restore water until the pipe is repaired.
Does wet drywall have to be replaced?
Not always; drywall that dries quickly can be kept, but soaked or sagging sections and wet insulation are usually cut out.
Why did my pipe burst when it wasn't freezing?
Corrosion, high water pressure, water hammer or a failed fitting can all cause a break.
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