⚠ Danger first: gas smell, sparking, or water near outlets? Get out and call 911.

Pipe Burst? What to Do in the First 10 Minutes

A burst pipe can release a lot of water fast. Here is the order to act in.

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1. Stop the water

1. Find your main shutoff valve and turn it clockwise (righty-tighty) until it stops. See our main valve guide below.
2. If you can't find it fast, look for a shutoff on the pipe itself or under the nearest sink.
3. Open the lowest faucet in the house to drain the water left in the lines.

2. Make it safe

1. If water is near outlets, cords, or the electrical panel, stay out of the water.
2. Switch off breakers for wet rooms only if you can reach the panel standing on a dry floor. If not, leave it and call an electrician or the utility.
3. Don't use electrical appliances that got wet.

3. Limit the damage

1. Move electronics, documents, and furniture out of the wet area.
2. Soak up standing water with towels, a mop, or a wet-vac (only if it is safe to plug in).
3. Keep doors open and run fans only where outlets are dry.

4. Snap photos before you clean up

1. Take photos and video of the break, the water, and damaged items before you clean.
2. Keep the broken pipe piece if you can.

Frozen pipe tip

If the pipe froze and split, more breaks may thaw open. Keep the water off until a plumber checks the line. Never thaw pipes with an open flame.

General guidance only, not professional advice. Your home may differ. When in doubt, stop and call a licensed plumber or electrician.