Water damage · Updated October 2026

What to Do in the First Hour After a Pipe Bursts

When a pipe bursts, your first hour has three jobs: stay safe around electricity, stop the water at the main shutoff valve, and limit the spread of damage while you document everything for insurance. After that, the priority is drying. The EPA advises drying water-damaged areas and items within 24–48 hours to prevent mold growth.

Take a breath. The steps below are in the order that matters most.

Step 1: Put safety first

Water and electricity are the biggest immediate danger.

• Leave right away and call 911 if you smell gas, see sparks or smoke, hear buzzing from outlets or the panel, or see a sagging ceiling or other signs of structural danger.
• Don’t wade into water near electricity. Water can reach outlets, power strips, extension cords, and appliances.
• Cut power to wet areas only if you can do it from dry ground. The CDC advises turning off power at the main breaker if circuits got wet, and to never turn power on or off or use an electric tool or appliance while standing in water. If you would have to step into standing water to reach the panel, the CDC says to call an electrician instead.
• Watch for ceilings. A ceiling that is bulging or dripping heavily can hold a lot of water. Keep people and pets out from underneath it.

Step 2: Shut off the main water supply

Stopping the water is the single most important thing you can do to limit damage.

1. Find the main shutoff valve. In many homes it is where the water line enters the house: in a basement, crawl space, garage, utility room, or near the water heater. In warmer climates, including much of California, it is often outside near the foundation or in a box near the street. Homes on a water meter may also have a shutoff at the meter box, which may require a meter key.
2. Close it fully. A round wheel handle usually turns clockwise to close. A lever handle is usually closed when it sits at a right angle to the pipe.
3. If only one fixture is leaking, you may be able to close the small valve under that sink, toilet, or appliance instead. If you are not sure where the leak is coming from, close the main.
4. If you can’t find or turn the valve, call your water utility’s emergency line or a licensed plumber right away.

If your water heater is in the affected area or the house water will stay off for a while, consider turning the water heater off following the manufacturer’s instructions. If you aren’t sure how, leave it to a plumber.

Step 3: Drain the lines

Once the main is off, water still sits in the pipes.

1. Open the cold-water faucets on the lowest level of the home (and an outdoor spigot, if you have one) to let remaining water drain out.
2. Flush toilets once to empty the tanks.
3. Leave those faucets open until a plumber has repaired the pipe.

This reduces the amount of water that can keep leaking from the break.

Step 4: Move belongings and stop the spread

Work only in areas that are safe from electrical hazards.

• Move electronics, documents, photos, and rugs out of the wet area and up off the floor.
• Lift furniture legs onto blocks or aluminum foil so wood and fabric don’t wick up water.
• Soak up standing water with towels, mops, or a wet vacuum. The EPA notes that bacteria can multiply in standing water, so remove it as soon as possible.
• Open windows and doors if the weather allows, to help air move. The CDC suggests opening doors and windows and using fans to help dry the home, once it’s safe to use electricity.

Step 5: Document the damage before you clean up

Good records make the insurance process smoother.

1. Take photos and video of the break, the standing water, and every damaged room and item before you move or throw anything away.
2. Write down damaged items, including brand names and model numbers where you can.
3. Keep damaged items. The California Department of Insurance advises keeping damaged property until the adjuster tells you it’s okay to throw it out.
4. Save receipts for anything you buy to protect your home, such as towels, fans, or tarps, and for any emergency services.

Step 6: Call your insurance company

The California Department of Insurance says water damage claims should be reported promptly, and that you should do your best to protect your property from further damage while keeping receipts. That advice applies well beyond California.

• Report the claim as soon as the water is off and everyone is safe.
• Ask what your policy covers and whether there are steps your insurer wants you to take before work begins.
• Keep a claim diary of every call, email, and visit, including names and dates.
• Hold off on permanent repairs until the adjuster has seen the damage. Emergency steps like water removal and drying to prevent further damage are different from permanent repairs, so ask your insurer if you are unsure.

Coverage always depends on your specific policy. Standard homeowners policies typically cover sudden and accidental water damage, such as a pipe that suddenly breaks, but they typically exclude flooding and damage from slow, long-term leaks or neglect. As FloodSmart notes, most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage; that requires separate flood insurance. This is general information, not legal advice.

Why drying fast matters

Visible water is only part of the problem. Water soaks into drywall, insulation, subfloors, and cabinets, where it can’t be seen.

The EPA says it is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24–48 hours to prevent mold growth. Fans and open windows help, but moisture trapped inside walls and under flooring often needs professional drying equipment and moisture meters to confirm it is truly dry. For extensive water damage, or mold covering more than about 10 square feet, the EPA points people to its more detailed remediation guidance, and if you hire help, it advises choosing a contractor with experience in mold cleanup.

What NOT to do

• Don’t walk into standing water if outlets, cords, or appliances may be wet.
• Don’t switch breakers or use electrical devices while standing in water.
• Don’t use a regular household vacuum to pick up water. Use a wet vacuum designed for liquids.
• Don’t use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, or any open flame to thaw a frozen pipe. The American Red Cross specifically warns against this.
• Don’t throw away damaged items before your adjuster has seen them or approved disposal.
• Don’t close up wet walls or lay new flooring before materials are confirmed dry.
• Don’t wait to report the claim.

Preventing frozen pipes next time

Frozen pipes are a common cause of bursts. Ready.gov encourages households to learn how to keep pipes from freezing as part of winter preparation, and the American Red Cross recommends:

• Letting cold water drip from faucets served by exposed pipes during very cold weather.
• Opening kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors so warm air reaches the plumbing.
• Keeping the thermostat at the same temperature day and night.
• Leaving the heat on, set no lower than 55°F, if you’ll be away during cold weather.
• Insulating pipes in unheated areas like attics, crawl spaces, and garages.
• Removing and draining outdoor hoses and closing inside valves to outdoor spigots.

If a faucet produces only a trickle in freezing weather, the Red Cross says to suspect a frozen pipe, keep the faucet open, and warm the pipe with safe heat such as a heating pad or hair dryer. If you can’t find or thaw the frozen section, call a licensed plumber.

Getting help

A plumber fixes the pipe. A water damage restoration contractor removes water, dries the structure, and checks for hidden moisture. If you need help with the cleanup, Restore Your Property can connect you with a licensed, certified local restoration contractor 24/7 at (855) 919-8808. Contractors offer no-obligation estimates and work with all major insurance carriers.