Burst Pipe? What to Do Before the Plumber Arrives

A burst pipe doesn’t give you time to Google what to do. Water is already spreading across the floor, seeping into walls, soaking whatever’s in its path. Every minute of inaction costs you — in water damage, in repair bills, and in stress.

This guide is what you need right now if you’re dealing with a burst or leaking pipe. Bookmark it before you need it.

Step 1: Shut Off the Water Main — Immediately

This is the most important thing you can do. Find your main water shutoff and turn it off before anything else.

How to shut off your water main:

  1. Locate the shutoff valve. In most homes, it’s in one of these places:

    • Basement or crawl space, near where the water line enters the house
    • Utility room or mechanical room
    • Near the water heater
    • Outside, in a ground-level box near the street (requires a meter key or wrench)

  2. Turn it off. Gate valves (round handles) turn clockwise to close. Ball valves (lever handles) turn 90 degrees perpendicular to the pipe to close.

  3. Open a faucet. After shutting the main, open a cold-water faucet on the lowest level of your home to relieve pressure and drain remaining water from the pipes.

Do this now if you don’t know where your shutoff is. Walk through your home today and locate it. It takes 5 minutes and could save you thousands.

If you can’t find or reach the main shutoff, go to the street-side meter box. This is a covered box in your yard or near the sidewalk. Open it and use a meter key (or an adjustable wrench) to turn the valve.

Still can’t stop the water? Call your local water utility’s emergency line — they can shut it off from the street.

Step 2: Turn Off Electricity in Affected Areas

Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. If water is near electrical outlets, panels, or appliances:

  • Do not enter a room where water may have contacted electrical fixtures
  • Turn off the circuit breaker for affected areas at your main panel
  • If you’re unsure which breakers to cut, shut off the main breaker
  • Do not turn electricity back on until a licensed electrician clears the area

If you see sparking, smell burning, or have any doubt about safety — leave the area and call emergency services.

Step 3: Document Everything Before Cleanup

Before you grab towels or start moving furniture:

  • Take photos and video of all visible damage
  • Capture the burst pipe location
  • Document standing water depth and spread
  • Photograph wet walls, flooring, and belongings

This documentation is essential for your homeowner’s insurance claim. Do it first, even though your instinct is to start cleaning up immediately.

Step 4: Begin Basic Damage Control

While you wait for the plumber:

Contain the water:

  • Use towels, buckets, and mops to remove standing water
  • Place buckets under active drips from ceilings
  • Move rugs, electronics, furniture, and valuables out of wet areas

Protect your walls and floors:

  • Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs
  • Pull up wet area rugs — they trap moisture and mold quickly
  • If drywall is wet, it will need to dry out completely; consider opening a window for airflow

Don’t use a shop vac on large amounts of standing water unless you know how to do so safely — many aren’t rated for it.

Step 5: Identify the Pipe — Without Making It Worse

If the pipe is visible and the water is off, you can do a quick assessment while waiting:

  • Frozen and burst: Look for pipes in exterior walls, crawl spaces, or unheated areas. The pipe may show visible splitting or cracks.
  • Joint failure: Check where two pipes connect — fittings and joints are common failure points.
  • Corrosion: Older homes with galvanized or copper pipes may show green or white buildup near the burst.

Don’t attempt repairs yourself unless you have plumbing experience. A temporary patch that fails while you’re asleep or at work can cause catastrophic secondary damage.

Common Causes of Burst Pipes

Understanding why the pipe burst helps your plumber fix the right problem — not just the symptom.

Frozen pipes are the most common cause in cold climates. Water expands when it freezes, creating pressure that splits pipes. Pipes in exterior walls, attics, crawl spaces, and garages are most vulnerable.

High water pressure wears on pipes and fittings over years. Residential systems should run at 40–80 PSI. If yours runs higher, a pressure regulator can prevent future damage.

Corrosion eats through metal pipes from the inside. Galvanized steel pipes in homes built before 1970 are often past their service life.

Physical damage from construction, tree root intrusion, or even a nail through a wall can cause immediate or delayed failures.

Age and material — polybutylene pipes (grey plastic, installed 1978–1995) are known to fail without warning and may need full replacement.

What to Tell the Plumber When They Arrive

Give them a clear picture fast:

  • Where you found the leak or burst
  • When it started (or when you first noticed it)
  • Whether you’ve shut off the water main
  • Any water damage to walls, ceilings, or floors
  • The age of your home and whether you know what type of pipes you have
  • Whether any other areas of your home have had plumbing issues recently

The faster they have context, the faster they diagnose and fix the problem.

When to Call for Emergency Plumbing Service

Call immediately if:

  • A pipe has burst and water is actively flooding
  • You can’t find or turn off your main shutoff
  • Water is near electrical panels or outlets
  • A sewer line may be involved (dark water, sewage smell)
  • You’re in a multi-unit building and neighbors may be affected

Call same-day if:

  • You have a significant leak you’ve temporarily controlled
  • Multiple fixtures are losing pressure or draining slowly
  • You’ve had frozen pipes and aren’t sure if they burst

Don’t wait — water damage compounds quickly. Within 24 hours, mold can begin developing in wet materials.

ProCraft Plumbing: Emergency Response When You Need It

ProCraft’s licensed plumbers respond to emergency plumbing calls across the area. We diagnose fast, explain your options clearly, and fix the problem right — not just the visible part.

Call ProCraft for emergency plumbing | View all plumbing services | Home maintenance checklist

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