# Burst pipe: what to do right now Updated: 2026-10-24 ยท https://pros411.com/en/guides/plumbers/burst-pipe ## Short answer Shut off the main water valve right away: turn the wheel clockwise until it stops, or turn the lever across the pipe. Open the lowest faucet in the house to drain what is left in the lines. If water is near outlets or the electrical panel, stay out of it. Then move your things out of the water, take photos and call an emergency plumber. > Safety first: Do not walk through water near outlets, appliances or the electrical panel. Turn off the power at the panel only if you can reach it on a dry floor; if not, stay out and call the power company. Keep out from under a ceiling that sags with water. ## What to do when a pipe bursts ![Cartoon burst pipe spraying water in a laundry room, with a hand reaching for the main shut-off valve](https://pros411.com/img/guias/burst-pipe.webp) 1. **The pipe burst: move fast.** Water is spraying and the puddle grows by the minute. Do not try to plug the split with your hands: go straight to the main shut-off valve. 2. **Shut off the main water valve.** Turn the wheel clockwise until it stops, or turn the lever a quarter turn so it sits across the pipe. The spray stops in seconds. 3. **Open a faucet to drain the lines.** Open the lowest faucet in the house, with a bucket under it. The water left in the pipes runs out there instead of through the break. 4. **Move things, dry up and take photos.** Get boxes and furniture out of the water, soak up what you can with towels and take photos and video for your insurance. 5. **A clamp holds it until the plumber comes.** A pipe repair clamp can seal a small split so you can use water again for now. A plumber still needs to replace that section of pipe. ## Why pipes burst - Freezing: ice inside the pipe builds pressure until it splits (see our guide on frozen pipes). - Water pressure that is too high, above about 80 psi. - Old pipes worn thin by corrosion, especially galvanized steel. - Water hammer that shakes the pipes every time a valve closes. ## Turn the water heater off too Is the break on a hot water line, or will the water stay off for hours? Set a gas water heater to "pilot" or "vacation", or switch off the breaker for an electric one. That protects the heater while no water comes in. ## What not to do - Do not turn the main back on to "check" until the pipe is clamped or repaired. - Do not plug in fans or heaters while you stand in water. - Do not wait to dry things out: the EPA advises drying wet materials within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold. ## When to call a plumber - A pipe burst or split, even if a clamp stopped it for now. - The break is inside a wall, a ceiling or under the floor. - You cannot find the main shut-off valve or it will not turn. - Water reached outlets, the electrical panel or the ceiling below. - Walls, floors or carpet are still wet after a day (a water damage company can dry them out). Find plumbers in your city: https://pros411.com/en/plumbers ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the first thing to do when a pipe bursts? Shut off the main water valve. Then open a low faucet to drain the lines, keep away from water near electricity and call a plumber. ### Where is my main water shut-off valve? Usually where the water line enters the house: a basement wall facing the street, the garage, a utility closet or near the water heater. In warm states it can be outside, on a wall or in a box near the street. ### Can I fix a burst pipe myself? You can stop the water and seal a small split with a pipe repair clamp for now. The damaged section still needs to be cut out and replaced, which is a job for a plumber. ### Does homeowners insurance cover a burst pipe? Many policies cover sudden water damage from a burst pipe, but not slow leaks or damage from neglect. Take photos before you clean up and call your insurer as soon as the water is off. ### How fast does water damage turn into mold? Fast. The EPA advises drying wet materials within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold. Start right away, and call a water damage company if you cannot keep up. ### Is a burst pipe an emergency? Yes. Shut off the water and call. Use the "24/7 emergencies" filter on the list to find plumbers who answer now. ## Sources - [EPA: Mold Cleanup in Your Home](https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-cleanup-your-home) - [EPA: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home](https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home)