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From the Archive: Emergencies

Burst Pipe? Your First Ten Minutes

Water pouring from the ceiling. Hands shaking. Here is the order of operations, one clear step at a time.

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In one breath

Shut off the main water valve, cut power to wet areas if you can do it safely, drain the lines, and call a plumber. Everything else comes after.

A man on a serious phone call
A man on a serious phone call.

The steps, in order

  1. Close the primary shut-off. It is typically in the lower level where the water line comes in, near the meter. Turn a circular handle clockwise until it halts, or turn a handle a quarter turn so it sits over the pipe. See finding your shut-off.
  2. Make the area electrically safe. If water is close to outlets, a panel or appliances, switch off those circuits at the breaker panel only if you can reach it standing on dry ground. Otherwise stay out and call for help.
  3. Open the lowest faucet. A basement laundry tub or outdoor tap drains water still in the pipes.
  4. Turn off the water heater. Turn a gas heater down to its holiday setting, or kill the panel breaker feeding an electric one.
  5. Move belongings and start removing water. Towels, a wet vacuum and fans help.
  6. Photograph everything for your insurer before cleanup.

Tape a label on the primary shut-off today, and show everyone in the home where it is.

Keep this kit by the main shut-off

  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • Bucket and old towels
  • Adjustable wrench and slip-joint pliers
  • Flange plunger for toilets, cup plunger for sinks
  • Label on the main valve so anyone can find it

What not to do

  • Do not walk into standing water near live electrical equipment.
  • Do not use a torch or open fire to thaw a frozen pipe.
  • Do not turn the water back on to check whether the leak stopped.
  • Do not leave the house without closing the main.

Stop and phone a plumber when

  1. 1A ceiling or wall starts dripping
  2. 2More than one drain backs up at once
  3. 3You smell gas or sewage indoors
  4. 4A valve will not turn or drips when touched

Time to call

As soon as the water is off, call. A burst pipe is an emergency even if the flow has stopped, because the repair has to happen before you can use water again. Our burst pipe fix and emergency plumbing pages explain what happens next. If cold weather caused it, other pipes may be frozen too; see frozen pipe thawing.

Straight answers to common calls

What if I cannot find the primary shut-off?

Check near the water meter, under basement stairs or in a front utility room. The curb stop outside needs a special key and is the Region's valve.

Should I call my insurance company right away?

Yes, once the water is off and you are safe. Early notice helps the claim.

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