Burst Pipe Emergency — Step by Step Guide

A burst pipe releases 4 to 8 gallons of water per minute. That is 240 to 480 gallons per hour flooding your home. Every second between the burst and shutting off the water supply determines how much damage you sustain and how much the restoration will cost. This guide gives you the exact steps to take, in order, to minimize damage.

Step 1: Shut Off the Water (Seconds Matter)

Main shutoff valve: This is your primary tool. It cuts water to the entire house. Common locations:

• Basement or crawlspace, near where the main water line enters the house
• Utility closet near the water heater
• Exterior wall on the street-facing side of the house
• Near the water meter (usually at the property line, may require a meter key)

If you cannot find or turn the main valve, call your water utility immediately. They can shut off water at the meter. In Jackson, call Jackson Water (601-960-1698). In Shreveport, call Shreveport Water (318-673-7600). In Boise, call United Water Idaho (208-362-7304).

Step 2: Shut Off Electricity to Affected Areas

Water and electricity are a lethal combination. Go to your electrical panel and turn off breakers for every area where water is present or spreading. If you cannot safely reach the panel, or if water has reached the panel itself, call your electric utility for emergency disconnection.

Do not touch any electrical device, outlet, or switch that is wet or in standing water.

Step 3: Open Faucets to Drain the System

After shutting off the main valve, open all faucets to drain remaining water from the pipes. This reduces pressure on the damaged section and stops additional water from flowing to the burst point. Flush toilets to empty tanks. This step typically drains 5 to 15 gallons of residual water from the system in a controlled manner rather than through the burst.

Step 4: Locate and Contain the Burst

Find where the pipe burst. It is usually obvious from the spray pattern or the source of the water. Common burst locations:

• Exterior walls: Pipes in exterior walls freeze first during cold snaps, especially in older homes in North End Boise and Fondren, Jackson
• Under sinks: Supply line connections fail at compression fittings
• Behind walls: You may see water flowing from a wall or ceiling without a visible pipe
• Crawlspace or basement: Main lines and branch lines are exposed to cold air

If you can see the burst, place a bucket under it and wrap the pipe with towels, rags, or pipe repair tape to slow the drip while the system drains.

Step 5: Document the Damage

Before you start cleanup, spend 5 to 10 minutes documenting:

1. Photograph the burst pipe itself
2. Photograph water levels in affected areas (use a ruler for scale)
3. Video walkthrough of all damage
4. Note the date, time, and circumstances of discovery

This documentation is essential for your insurance claim. Burst pipe damage from freezing is covered under standard homeowners policies. Read our complete guide on documenting water damage for insurance.

Step 6: Begin Water Removal

Start removing water immediately. Every minute water sits on your flooring, it is penetrating deeper:

• Shop vacuum: Best tool for immediate water removal. Empty frequently.
• Towels and mops: For thin water layers on hard floors.
• Portable pump: For standing water deeper than an inch.

Direct removed water outside, at least 20 feet from your foundation.

Step 7: Start Drying

After removing standing water, moisture remains trapped in flooring, walls, and furniture. Start drying immediately:

1. Set up fans blowing across wet surfaces
2. Run a dehumidifier at maximum setting
3. Open windows if outside air is dry
4. Pull furniture away from wet walls for airflow
5. Lift carpet edges to allow air underneath

Step 8: Call a Professional

A burst pipe restoration specialist should be called even if you have started DIY mitigation. Professionals have industrial extraction equipment, commercial dehumidifiers, and moisture meters that detect hidden water you cannot see. Most importantly, they verify your home is completely dry before you close up walls and replace flooring, preventing mold growth.

What Repairs to Expect

After emergency mitigation, you will need:

• Pipe repair: A plumber fixes or replaces the burst section ($150 to $500 for most repairs)
• Drying: 3 to 5 days of industrial drying equipment ($500 to $1,500)
• Drywall replacement: If drywall was cut for drying access ($3 to $5 per square foot)
• Flooring repair: Depends on material. Carpet replacement ($3 to $7/sq ft), hardwood refinishing ($3 to $8/sq ft), or hardwood replacement ($8 to $15/sq ft)

Use our cost calculator for a detailed estimate.

A burst pipe is stressful, but fast action dramatically reduces the damage. If you are dealing with a burst pipe right now, contact us immediately for emergency water extraction. We connect homeowners in Jackson, Shreveport, and Boise with licensed professionals who respond within the hour.