Plumbing emergencies
What to Do When a Pipe Bursts
Updated · Written by the SteadWell team
1. Shut off the main water valve
The main shutoff is usually where the water line enters the house — in a crawl space, basement, garage or utility closet, often near the water heater. If you can't find it, the curb valve at the meter box can be closed with a meter key.
- Gate valve (round handle): turn clockwise until it stops
- Ball valve (lever): turn a quarter turn so the lever is perpendicular to the pipe
2. Deal with electricity
If water is near outlets, a panel, or coming through a light fixture, switch off that circuit at the breaker. Don't stand in water to do it — if you can't reach the panel safely, call the electric utility.
3. Drain the lines
Open a cold faucet on the lowest floor and flush toilets once. This relieves pressure and empties water that would otherwise keep leaking out of the break.
4. Limit the damage
Move furniture and rugs, mop standing water, and poke a small hole in a bulging ceiling with a bucket underneath — it's better than the ceiling coming down.
5. Document, then call
Photograph the break and the damage before cleanup. Then call a plumber, and your insurer. Most policies cover sudden bursts but not long-term leaks, so the photos matter.
This guide is general information, not a substitute for an on-site assessment. Read our editorial standards.