Burst pipe: what to do and how to prevent it¶

A burst pipe can flood a home in minutes and ruin floors, walls, and belongings. This page helps you stop the water, stay safe, and limit the damage.

Do this now¶

1. Close the main water shutoff valve, usually where the water line enters the house.
2. If water is near electrical outlets, appliances, or the panel, do not touch them or step into the water. Turn off power at the breaker only if you can reach it while staying dry.
3. Open the lowest faucet in the house to drain the pipes, and flush toilets once.
4. Move valuables and furniture out of the wet area, and soak up water.
5. Call a plumber.
6. Take photos and video of the damage for your insurer.

Find the main water shutoff¶

Every home has one. It is often in a basement, utility room, garage, or crawl space, or outside near the meter or street. In apartments, there may be a valve under the sink or in a utility closet.

Turn a wheel valve clockwise, or turn a lever valve a quarter turn so the handle sits across the pipe. If you cannot find it or cannot turn it, call your building manager, landlord, or water utility. Learn where it is now, and show everyone in your home.

Electricity and water¶

Water and electricity are a deadly mix. If water has reached outlets, appliances, a fuse box, or a breaker panel, do not wade in or touch them.

If you can reach the breaker panel without stepping in water, switch off the power to the affected area. If the panel is wet or the floor is flooded, leave it alone and call an electrician or the utility. Do not use a wet vacuum or any plugged in appliance in standing water.

Drain the system¶

Once the main valve is closed, open the faucets, starting with the highest in the house and ending with the lowest, to drain what is left in the pipes. Flush each toilet once. This lowers pressure and cuts down how much water escapes.

If you have a water heater, turn it off at the breaker or gas control so it does not run dry and overheat.

Contain the water¶

Act quickly, because wet materials start to grow mold within a day or two.

• Mop or use towels, a squeegee, or a wet vacuum if it is safe to do so.
• Move furniture, rugs, and electronics out of the wet area.
• Lift items off carpet and place foil or plastic under furniture legs.
• Use buckets to catch drips.
• Open windows and use fans and dehumidifiers to dry the area.
• Poke a small hole in a bulging ceiling to let water drain into a bucket, standing clear of the area.

If a ceiling sags, stay away from it, because it may fall.

Call a plumber¶

A burst pipe needs a repair or replacement by a professional. Tell them where it is, what type of pipe it is if you know, and that you have closed the main valve. Ask about emergency service if it is out of hours.

If the water is dirty or smells, or if sewage is involved, do not touch it and call a professional. Contaminated water needs special care.

Document the damage¶

Photograph and film the damage before you clean up, then keep damaged items until your insurer has seen them. Make a list of what was affected, and save receipts for any repairs, equipment hire, and temporary stays.

Contact your insurer soon. Policies and cover differ by country and by policy, so ask what is included and how long you have to report it. Check with your insurer or local consumer agency.

Prevent frozen pipes¶

Pipes burst when water inside them freezes and expands. In cold weather:

• Insulate pipes in attics, crawl spaces, and outside walls.
• Seal gaps that let cold air in near pipes.
• Keep the heat on, even if you are away, and set it no lower than about 13 degrees Celsius (55 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Open cabinet doors under sinks on very cold nights so warm air can reach the pipes.
• Let a faucet drip slightly during a hard freeze.
• Disconnect garden hoses and shut off outdoor taps.

If a pipe freezes but has not burst, you may see little or no water from a tap. Thaw it slowly with gentle warmth, such as a hair dryer, never with an open flame. Open the faucet while you do it. If you cannot find the frozen section, call a plumber.

Related guides¶

• Power outage at home
• Gas leak
• Emergency kit
• Family emergency plan
• Emergency numbers