What to Do When a Pipe Bursts

There is nothing more terrifying as a homeowner than a burst pipe. When it comes to water in your home, reacting quickly can make all the difference between complete disaster and limited chaos. Water can flood your home in minutes, causing significant damage to your walls, flooring, and beloved belongings.  

So, in today’s blog, we want to discuss your best plan of action to help reduce the damage and cost of repairs. 

“Water damage is one of the leading causes of home insurance claims in Canada.”  

What to Do When a Pipe Bursts 

Shut Off the Water Immediately 

Stopping the water is your priority. Follow these steps: 

  • Turn it clockwise to shut it off completely  

If you aren’t sure of where your shut-off valve is, now is the perfect time to find it, especially before an emergency happens! 

Turn Off Electricity  

Depending on where the leak occurs, you may need to shut off your electricity.  

If water is located near electrical outlets, appliances, or your breaker panel, follow these steps: 

  • Shut off power to the affected area  

  • Avoid standing water when dealing with electricity  

Drain the System 

After shutting off the main water supply: 

  • Turn on all cold-water taps  

  • Flush toilets  

This helps relieve pressure in the pipes and slows additional leaking. 

Contain the Water 

The faster you move, the smaller the mess will be. Reduce the amount of water and damage by doing the following: 

  • Use towels, buckets, or a wet/dry vacuum to remove water 

  • Move furniture and valuables out of the affected area  

  • If possible, open windows or use fans to start drying things out  

Locate the Burst Pipe 

Try to identify where the pipe failed: 

  • Look for cracks, bulges, or split sections  

  • Common spots include uninsulated walls, basements, and crawl spaces  

You don’t need to fix it yourself, but knowing the location helps when you call for help. 

Call a Professional Plumber 

Once you have contained the water, you’ll want to contact an expert. Even if the leak seems minor, a burst pipe can mean more significant issues are happening in your home. These can include structural issues or potential hidden leaks. You want to ensure that you have a professional do a proper inspection and rule out any further unwanted issues in your home.  

A licensed plumber can properly repair or replace the damaged section and check for other weak points. 

Prevention Tips

A few simple steps can save your home and your wallet: 

  • Insulate exposed pipes, especially in basements and attics  

  • Keep your home heated during winter (even if you’re away)  

  • Seal drafts near pipes  

  • Schedule regular plumbing inspections  

While knowing what to do in the case of an emergency is beneficial, if you’re unsure about what to do at any point, it’s always safer to call a professional to help avoid making the problem worse. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your plumbing, please contact the Action Team. We are here to help! 

Editor of Action Plumbing Blog