Burst pipe — what to do right now
A burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons an hour. The first 60 minutes decide how bad — and how expensive — this gets. Here’s exactly what to do, then how to find a 24/7 crew.
Step by step
- 1
Shut off the water
Close the main water shutoff (usually near the meter, in the basement, or where the line enters the home).
- 2
Kill power if needed
If water is near outlets or your panel, shut off electricity to that area at the breaker.
- 3
Document for insurance
Photograph and video everything before you move anything — burst pipes are typically covered as sudden/accidental damage.
- 4
Start removing water
Mop/extract standing water and get air moving. Then call a pro — clean water turns contaminated after ~48 hours.
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Browse by stateBurst pipe — what to do right now — FAQs
Is a burst pipe covered by insurance?+
Sudden, accidental water damage from a burst pipe is typically covered by standard homeowners insurance. Gradual, long-neglected leaks usually are not — document that it was sudden.
How much does burst-pipe water damage cost to fix?+
Most jobs run $1,200–$4,500 for a fast-caught clean-water loss and $4,500–$15,000+ for multi-room damage, depending on how long it sat and how much material must be removed.