Burst Pipe Emergency: What to Do First (and How to Prevent It)

6 min readUpdated March 15, 2025

A burst pipe is one of the most damaging plumbing emergencies you can face. A single burst pipe can release 400-600 gallons of water per hour, causing catastrophic damage to floors, walls, furniture, and electronics.

Here's exactly what to do when it happens — and how to prevent it.

Immediate Steps When a Pipe Bursts

1. Shut Off the Main Water Valve (Seconds Matter)

This is the single most important thing you can do. Find your main water shut-off valve and turn it off immediately. Every second of delay means more water damage.

2. Turn Off Electricity in Affected Areas

If water is near electrical outlets or your breaker panel, turn off electricity to those areas. Water and electricity are a lethal combination.

3. Open Faucets to Drain Remaining Water

After shutting off the main valve, open cold water faucets throughout your home to drain remaining water from the pipes. This reduces pressure and stops additional water from leaking through the burst.

4. Contain and Remove Standing Water

Use buckets, mops, towels, and a wet/dry vacuum to remove standing water. The faster you remove water, the less damage it causes.

5. Document Everything

Take photos and video before you start cleaning. Document the burst pipe, water levels, and all damaged items. This is critical for insurance claims.

6. Call an Emergency Plumber

Call a verified emergency plumber. Describe the location and severity of the burst so they can bring the right equipment.

Common Causes of Burst Pipes

Freezing temperatures — Water expands when it freezes, creating enormous pressure inside pipes. This is the #1 cause of burst pipes during winter months.

Corrosion — Older galvanized steel and copper pipes corrode over time, weakening pipe walls until they fail.

High water pressure — Pressure above 80 PSI puts excessive stress on pipe joints and fittings.

Tree root intrusion — Roots seek water and can crush or break underground pipes.

Water hammer — The shockwave from suddenly stopping water flow (like closing a valve quickly) can damage pipes over time.

How to Prevent Burst Pipes

Winter Prevention

Insulate exposed pipes — in attics, crawl spaces, basements, and garages

Keep your heat at 55°F or above — even when you're away

Let faucets drip — during extreme cold — moving water is harder to freeze

Open cabinet doors — under sinks on exterior walls to let warm air reach pipes

Disconnect garden hoses — before winter and shut off outdoor faucet valves

Year-Round Prevention

Monitor water pressure — install a pressure gauge and keep it below 80 PSI

Replace aging pipes — before they fail — galvanized steel pipes over 50 years old are high risk

Install water leak detectors — near water heaters, washing machines, and under sinks

Know where your shut-off valve is — and test it annually to make sure it works

The Cost of Waiting

A burst pipe that runs for just one hour can cause:

400-600 gallons of water damage

$3,000 - $10,000 in structural repairs

$2,000 - $8,000 in mold remediation (if not caught quickly)

Permanent damage to hardwood floors, drywall, and personal belongings

The average emergency plumber visit to repair a burst pipe costs $200-$600. That's a fraction of what water damage restoration costs. Don't wait — call immediately.

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