Burst Pipe in House? What to Do First
Short answerIf a pipe bursts, shut off the main water valve right away, usually where the water line enters the house. Then turn off the water heater, stay out of standing water near outlets, and call a plumber and your insurance agent. An eighth-of-an-inch crack can leak up to 250 gallons a day.
Safety first
- Do not walk through standing water if outlets, cords or appliances may be wet. Shut off power at the panel only if you can reach it while standing on a dry floor. If you cannot, call your electric utility or the fire department.
- Stay out of rooms where a ceiling is sagging from water.
- Turn off the water heater, using the breaker or gas control, once the main water is off.
- If the valve is in standing water or will not close, do not force it. Stay out and call your water utility and a plumber.
Likely causes
| Cause | How to tell | What fixes it |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen pipe that split | The leak starts during or just after very cold weather, often on an outside wall, in an attic or in a crawl space. | A plumber replaces the split section and checks nearby pipe. |
| Corrosion or a failed fitting | From general repair knowledge, not a cited source: a corroded pipe or a failed joint can also let go. | A plumber replaces the damaged pipe or fitting. |
| Damage from nails, screws or digging | From general repair knowledge, not a cited source: a nail, a screw or digging can also damage a pipe, sometimes during recent work. | A plumber opens the wall and repairs the section. |
Why this is a job for a professional
- Call a plumber now for any burst pipe, and your insurance agent the same day. Take photos and video before cleanup if it is safe.
- Call an electrician if water has reached the panel, outlets or light fixtures.
- Ask: what caused it, and are other pipes at risk? Will you pressure test after the repair? Who repairs the wall or ceiling you open? Can you give me a written report for my insurer?
What it costs to have fixed
Pipe Repair is estimated at $130 to $800 nationally. See your state
Common questions
What do I do first when a pipe bursts?
Close the main water shutoff in the house. Use the house valve, not the street valve, which is hard to turn and needs a special tool. Then open a faucet to drain what is left in the pipes.
How much water can a burst pipe leak?
University of Illinois Extension says an eighth-of-an-inch crack can release up to 250 gallons of water a day, which is why shutting off the water comes before anything else.
How fast do I need to dry things out?
CDC says to dry flooded areas within 24 to 48 hours to limit mold. Move out wet items and run fans once it is electrically safe.
Is a burst pipe covered by homeowners insurance?
Often the resulting water damage is. As an example from Texas, the Texas Department of Insurance lists a burst pipe as sudden, accidental water damage that most policies cover, while gradual leaks are usually not covered. Make only temporary repairs until the insurer has seen the damage, and check your own policy and your state insurance department. Source
How do I know if a frozen pipe has burst?
You may not know until it thaws. The City of Independence, Missouri, for example, warns that a frozen pipe may already be broken, so keep your main shutoff valve ready in case it leaks as it thaws, and call a plumber. Source
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- Frozen Pipes? How to Thaw Them Safely
- Garbage Disposal Not Working? Reset and Unjam It
- Leaky Faucet? How to Fix a Dripping Faucet
- Low Water Pressure in House? How to Find the Cause
- No Hot Water in House? What to Check First
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Last verified 2026-11-01
Sources
- University of Illinois Extension: Water Pipes — An eighth-of-an-inch crack can release up to 250 gallons a day, shutting off water, calling a plumber and your insurance agent, and shock risk near standing water
- Ready.gov: Safety Skills — Locating and tagging the main shutoff, using the main house valve rather than the street valve, and switching off circuits before the main breaker
- Utah State University Extension: Advice to Prevent Frozen Pipes — Turning off the water heater if a hot or main line is affected, and being careful with electrical appliances in wet areas
- CDC: About Mold — Drying flooded areas within 24 to 48 hours
- PPL Electric Utilities: Staying Safe Around Electricity During Flooding — Turning off the breaker only while the area is still dry; otherwise staying out of the water and calling the utility
General information, not professional advice. Conditions, codes and prices vary. Turn off power, gas or water before any work, and hire a licensed professional when in doubt. Cost figures are our estimates, not quotes.