Pipe Burst? What to Do in the First 10 Minutes

The most important step is to stop the water source. Find your main shutoff valve, usually near the water meter or where the main line enters the house. Turn it clockwise until it stops. If you live in this area, keep the valve location written down so you can find it fast.

If the burst is in a single pipe, you might have a local shutoff valve for that line, like under a sink or behind a toilet. But if water is spraying or you cannot locate the local valve, shut off the main. This stops the flow and prevents further flooding.

• Locate the main valve before an emergency
• Turn clockwise firmly, but do not force
• If the valve is stuck, use a wrench carefully
• Tell everyone in the home where the valve is

While the water is off, act to limit damage. Use towels, mops, and buckets to remove standing water. Push water away from walls and furniture. If you have a wet/dry vacuum, use it to extract water from carpets and hard floors.

Move furniture, rugs, and boxes to a dry area. Elevate items on blocks or bricks if water is still seeping. The faster you remove water, the less chance of warping, staining, and mold growth. Local water damage pros can handle the heavy extraction later.

After the water is off and you have done the basics, contact the pros. They have specialized equipment to extract water, dry structures, and prevent mold. The longer water sits, the more damage it causes, so act quickly.

The pros will assess the extent of the damage, including hidden moisture in walls and floors. They can use moisture mapping to find wet areas you cannot see. Their work helps prevent warping, rot, and mold growth, saving you money in the long run.