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Guide

Burst Pipe: What to Do Right Now

Steps to take when a pipe bursts: shut off the water, protect electrical safety, document the damage and start drying.

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  • Give your city and ZIP code
  • Say what happened and if water is still running
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Updated October 2026. General information, not legal, insurance or engineering advice.

Hand shutting a valve on a leaking copper pipe

Quick answer

Shut off the main water valve, open a low faucet to drain the lines, avoid electrical hazards, photograph everything and call for water removal and a plumber.

Step by step

  1. Locate and close the main shutoff. It is usually near the meter, where the line enters the home or in a basement or garage.
  2. Open the lowest faucet to relieve pressure and drain remaining water.
  3. If water is near electrical outlets or the panel, do not touch them. Call an electrician if you must reach the breaker through water.
  4. Collect water that is still dripping with buckets and towels, and move belongings away.
  5. Take photos and video before cleanup.
  6. Call a restoration crew and your insurer, then a plumber for the repair.

If the pipe froze

Do not use an open flame. Open the faucet and warm the area with a hair dryer or space heater placed safely away from wet surfaces. A frozen pipe that has not yet burst can still split once it thaws, so be ready to shut the main valve.

Hidden leaks

Stains on ceilings, bubbling paint, a musty odor and the sound of running water when nothing is on can mean a leak inside a wall. A moisture meter and thermal camera can trace it without tearing out more than needed.

Prevention

Insulate exposed pipes, seal drafts near plumbing, and know where your main shutoff is. Consider a smart shutoff valve or leak sensors if you travel often.

Sources and further reading

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