Burst Pipe? What to Do Right Now, Step by Step
Updated October 2026 · 6 min read
Water pouring out right now? Shut off the main valve, then get a plumber on the way.
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Quick answer: a burst pipe is a plumbing emergency. Shut off the main water valve immediately, turn off electricity to any wet area if you can do it safely, open the faucets to drain the remaining water, move belongings out of the way and take photos for insurance. Then call a licensed plumber to repair the pipe.
What to do when a pipe bursts: 7 steps
- Shut off the main water valve. This stops the flooding. It’s usually where the water line enters the house: basement, crawl space, utility room, garage or near the water heater. See our guide to finding your main water shut-off valve.
- Turn off electricity to wet areas. If water is near outlets, appliances or the electrical panel, switch off those circuits at the breaker. Only do this if you can reach the panel without standing in water. If you can’t, stay out and call the electric utility.
- Open the faucets. Run the cold taps in the lowest part of the house and flush the toilets to drain water left in the pipes and relieve pressure.
- Turn off the water heater if the leak is on the hot side or the tank is draining. Follow the instructions on the heater.
- Move valuables and stop the spread. Lift furniture, electronics and documents off wet floors. Soak up standing water with towels, mops, buckets or a wet/dry vacuum.
- Take photos and video of the damage and the broken pipe before you clean up. Your insurer will want them.
- Call a plumber, then your insurance company. The plumber repairs the pipe. The insurer starts your claim and may recommend a water damage restoration company.
Main valve stuck, or you can’t find it? Don’t waste minutes searching while water spreads. Call a plumber now: +1 (877) 270-1778
Is a burst water pipe an emergency?
Yes. A burst pipe can release a large amount of water in a short time, soaking floors, walls and ceilings and causing mold within days. Even a small split can turn into a flood once water pressure builds. Treat it as an emergency: shut off the water first, then get it repaired the same day.
How do you know if a pipe has burst?
A burst isn’t always obvious, especially inside walls or under floors. Look for:
- A sudden drop in water pressure at faucets and showers.
- The sound of running or dripping water when nothing is turned on.
- Water stains, bubbling paint or sagging spots on ceilings and walls.
- Puddles under sinks, around the water heater or along baseboards.
- A water meter that keeps moving when every tap is off.
- A sudden jump in your water bill.
- A musty smell from walls or cabinets, which can mean a hidden leak.
Why do pipes burst?
- Freezing. Water expands as it freezes, building pressure inside the pipe. Many pipes split while they’re thawing. See what to do about frozen pipes.
- High water pressure that strains old pipes and fittings.
- Corrosion and age, especially in older galvanized steel pipes.
- Clogs that build up pressure behind them.
- Physical damage, such as a nail through a wall or ground movement outside.
Burst pipe in the winter: check for frozen pipes too
Most burst pipes happen during a cold snap. If one pipe burst, others nearby may be frozen and about to split. After shutting off the water, check the other faucets. If any give only a trickle, read our guide on frozen pipes and when to call a plumber. To understand when the risk starts, see what temperature pipes freeze at.
Is it expensive to fix a burst pipe?
The repair itself depends on where the pipe is and how easy it is to reach. A burst under a sink is a quicker job than one inside a wall or ceiling, which needs opening up and patching afterwards. Emergency call-outs at night, on weekends or during a cold snap can cost more. The bigger cost is usually the water damage, which is why shutting off the water fast and getting a plumber the same day saves money. Ask for the call-out fee and an estimate before work starts.
Does home insurance cover a burst pipe?
Many homeowner policies cover sudden and accidental water damage from a burst pipe, but they may not cover damage from a slow leak or from a home that wasn’t kept heated. Coverage varies, so check your policy, report the damage quickly and keep your photos and repair receipts.
How long does it take to fix a burst pipe?
A plumber can often repair an accessible burst pipe in an hour or two once they’re on site. Pipes inside walls, under slabs or in crawl spaces take longer. Drying out the water damage can take several days with fans and dehumidifiers.
Can I fix a burst pipe myself?
You can stop the water and make a temporary patch on an exposed pipe with a pipe repair clamp or push-fit repair coupling. But a proper repair, especially inside a wall, needs a plumber, and a temporary patch can fail. If the pipe burst because it froze, a plumber should also check the rest of the line for cracks.
Need the pipe fixed today? Call +1 (877) 270-1778 and talk to a 24/7 plumber.
Related guides
- Frozen pipes: what to do now and when to call a plumber
- Where is my main water shut-off valve, and how do I turn it off?
- What temperature do pipes freeze?
For storm and cold-weather preparation, see Ready.gov’s winter weather guide.
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