What to Do When a Pipe Bursts

Your main water shutoff valve is usually near your water meter, where the main line enters the house, or in a garage or utility area — find it today, before an emergency, so you’re not searching for it while water is spreading. Turning this valve fully off stops the flow at the source, which matters more than anything else you can do in the first moments. If the burst is isolated to a single fixture, like a supply line under a sink, the local shutoff valve for that fixture alone may be enough.

If water is pooling near outlets, appliances, or light fixtures, turn off electricity to that area at the breaker before doing anything else in the space. Water and electricity are a genuine safety hazard — don’t wade into standing water near an outlet to reach a breaker across the room; shut off the main breaker instead if you can’t reach the specific circuit safely.

Once the water is shut off, move furniture, electronics, and valuables away from the affected area if it’s safe to do so. Before you start any cleanup, take photos or video of the damage — flooring, walls, belongings — since this documentation is typically what an insurance claim will need, and it’s much easier to capture before towels and fans are already in motion.