After discovering a burst pipe, shut off the main water valve, check for electrical hazards, and then figure out how far the water has spread. If you came home to find the leak, the damage may be larger than it looks, so check nearby rooms and the floor below.
Shut Off the Water and Check for Safety
Close the main shutoff right away. Before you walk into a flooded room, look for water near outlets, appliances, or the electrical panel. If the area is not safe, stay out until the power is off. Turn off breakers only if you can reach them without standing in water.
Look for Hidden Damage
Water travels. It can run along pipes, soak into walls, and drip through ceilings. Check:
- Ceilings and walls below the break
- Basement or garage areas under the room
- Cabinets, closets, and under carpets nearby
Press on drywall near the leak. If it feels soft, water may have soaked in.
Dry Things Out
Remove standing water with mops, towels, or a wet vacuum plugged into a safe, dry outlet. Open windows and use fans when it is safe. Pull up wet rugs and move furniture away from walls. Wet drywall and insulation can grow mold within a day or two, so they may need to be removed.
Document Everything
Take photos and videos of the break and the damage before cleanup. Keep receipts for supplies and repairs. Many insurance policies ask for this information.
Do not turn the water back on until the pipe has been repaired. If the break happened during a freeze, other pipes may be frozen too, so a plumber should check them. We explain how a broken pipe gets repaired, including how the new section is tested.
If you have found a burst pipe in your home, call JPR Plumbing at (833) 603-1840. Once the water is back on, a look at valves and fittings near the break can confirm everything is holding.