After a water pipe bursts, shut off the main water valve, drain the remaining water from the lines, and keep away from anything electrical that got wet. Then check how far the water spread and get the pipe repaired before turning the water back on.
Right Away
Close the main shutoff by turning it clockwise until it stops. Then open a cold faucet on the lowest floor so water left in the pipes drains out instead of leaking. If water is near outlets or the panel, stay clear and only switch off breakers you can reach from a dry spot.
Within the First Hour
Remove standing water with towels, mops, and buckets. Move furniture, rugs, and boxes to a dry area. Take photos before you clean up too much. If you live in a two-family home or share walls with a neighbor, let them know in case water reached their side.
Over the Next Day or Two
Water often travels farther than it looks. Check:
- Ceilings and walls below the break
- Inside nearby cabinets and closets
- Under rugs and along baseboards
Keep fans running and windows open when you can. Drywall or insulation that stays wet may need to be removed to prevent mold.
Getting the Pipe Fixed
Do not wrap the break with tape and turn the water back on. A quick patch may not hold under full pressure. If the break happened during a freeze, other pipes may be frozen too. A plumber can swap in new pipe and pressure-test it before the water is fully restored.
Call your insurance company if the damage is large, and keep receipts for supplies and repairs.
If a pipe has burst in your home, JPR Plumbing can help at (833) 603-1840. After the repair, a look at pipes near windows and outside walls can show whether others are at risk.