5 Steps to Take After a Burst Pipe: A Homeowner’s Emergency Guide

A burst pipe can turn a peaceful evening into a full-blown crisis within minutes. 

Water gushes out, soaking floors, walls, and anything in its path. If you don’t act fast, the damage can escalate from a simple plumbing issue to a full-scale disaster. 

Knowing what to do after a burst pipe can save you from costly repairs, mold growth, and structural damage. Here’s a step-by-step guide to minimize the chaos and get your home back on track.

Shut Off the Water Immediately

Remaining calm and knowing what to do after a burst pipe is crucial, and the first step is turning off the water to prevent more damage. 

Locate and turn off your home’s main water shutoff valve (typically found in basements, crawl spaces, or near the water meter). If you don’t know where it is, now’s a good time to find it before an emergency strikes.

Once the water is off, open all faucets to drain the remaining water in the pipes. This helps relieve pressure and prevents additional leaks from forming. 

After that, depending on the extent of the damage, it might be a good idea to call professionals for water removal and dehumidification to help dry out the affected areas, but more on that in a bit.

Cut the Power If Needed

Don't take any chances if water has reached electrical outlets, appliances, or fuse boxes.

Turn off the electricity to the affected areas to reduce the risk of electrocution. If you’re unsure, call an electrician before touching anything. Safety first!

Get Rid of Standing Water

Standing water from a burst pipe can seep into carpets, wood, and drywall, leading to long-term damage.

Grab a mop, towels, or a wet/dry vacuum, and start soaking it up as soon as possible. For larger floods, renting an industrial fan or dehumidifier can speed up the drying process. The longer moisture lingers, the higher the risk of mold forming.

Inspect the Damage and Call a Plumber

Some burst pipes are obvious—a major crack spraying water everywhere. Others might be hidden behind walls or under floors, causing slow but serious damage. Once the immediate flooding is under control, inspect the affected area.

If the burst is minor and you’re comfortable with DIY repairs, patching the pipe with epoxy or a repair clamp might be a temporary fix. But for major breaks or any uncertainty, it’s best to call a licensed plumber to handle the job properly.

Prevent Mold and Structural Issues

Even after water from the flood recedes, a burst pipe can leave lasting damage. Moisture trapped in walls, insulation, and flooring can lead to mold growth in as little as 24 hours and may require professional mold mitigation to prevent it from spreading.

This is why knowing what to do after a burst pipe isn’t just about stopping the leak—it’s about making sure your home is completely dry.

Keep fans and dehumidifiers running for several days, and monitor for musty odors or discoloration on walls and ceilings.

The Right Help Can Save Your Home

Even after drying everything out, hidden moisture can linger in walls and floors, leading to serious mold issues down the line. That’s where professionals come in.

South Coast Environmental Group specializes in water damage restoration and mold prevention, ensuring your home stays safe long after the cleanup. When disaster strikes, expert help makes all the difference.

Now that you know what to do after a burst pipe, acting quickly can save you from expensive repairs and long-term headaches.

Stay prepared, know your shutoff valve’s location, and don’t hesitate to contact us for fast, reliable water damage restoration and mold prevention services whenever you need us.

Your home—and your wallet—will thank you.