Emergency · Burst Pipe Emergency

Pipe Burst — Shut Off Water and Call Restoration Now

A burst pipe releases 100+ gallons per hour. Every minute counts. Shut off water, cut power, document, and call IICRC-certified pros — not just a plumber.

(888) 217-3503Mold window: 48 hours

Emergency checklist

Shut off the main water supply immediately — usually near the water meter or where the main line enters the house
⚠ Know your shutoff location before emergencies happen
Cut power to all affected rooms at the circuit breaker
⚠ Never touch electrical panels with wet hands
Video the burst location, water flow path, and all damaged materials before cleanup
⚠ Your insurer needs to see the damage before you dry anything
Remove standing water with a wet/dry shop vac if Category 1 and electrical safety is confirmed
⚠ Do not use regular vacuums on water
Call a restoration company — not just a plumber. Restoration extracts, dries, and documents for insurance simultaneously
⚠ A plumber fixes the pipe; restoration prevents mold and structural damage
Open an insurance claim while the restoration team is en route — get a claim number
⚠ Most burst pipe events are covered as sudden and accidental damage

Typical cost range

$1,200 – $8,000

Full cost breakdown

Mold growth timeline

Mold Growth Clock

What happens hour by hour after water damage

elapsed

0h6h12h24h48h72h1wk

or click any marker

Water Intrusion

lowHour 0

Water enters the structure. Clock starts NOW.

Recommended Action

Shut off water source, move valuables off floor, begin documentation with photos/video.

Next milestone: Absorption Begins at 1 Hour

All Milestones

Burst Pipe Emergency FAQ

: Restoration company first. They extract water, set drying equipment, and document damage for your insurer. They will coordinate with a plumber for the pipe repair. Calling only a plumber leaves standing water causing mold and structural damage.
: Yes — burst pipes are almost always covered as sudden and accidental damage under standard homeowners policies. Document everything before cleanup and keep all damaged materials until the adjuster visits.
: A 1/2-inch pipe at 50 PSI releases approximately 14 gallons per minute — over 800 gallons per hour. A 3/4-inch pipe releases even more. Response within the first hour dramatically reduces total restoration cost.

How to Shut Off Your Main Water Valve

Scene 1: Locate meter/utility room. Scene 2: Turn gate valve clockwise. Scene 3: Turn ball valve 90°. Scene 4: Test at faucet.

Video production scheduled — storyboard complete

How to Shut Off Your Main Water Valve — 90-second guide to finding and operating your main water shutoff — the most important emergency skill for water damage prevention.

Read the full guide: burst pipe emergency guide

(888) 217-3503

Mold growth timeline

Mold Growth Clock

What happens hour by hour after water damage

elapsed

0h6h12h24h48h72h1wk

or click any marker

Water Intrusion

lowHour 0

Water enters the structure. Clock starts NOW.

Recommended Action

Shut off water source, move valuables off floor, begin documentation with photos/video.

Next milestone: Absorption Begins at 1 Hour

All Milestones

Burst Pipe Emergency FAQ

Restoration company first. They extract water, set drying equipment, and document damage for your insurer. They will coordinate with a plumber for the pipe repair. Calling only a plumber leaves standing water causing mold and structural damage.

Yes — burst pipes are almost always covered as sudden and accidental damage under standard homeowners policies. Document everything before cleanup and keep all damaged materials until the adjuster visits.

A 1/2-inch pipe at 50 PSI releases approximately 14 gallons per minute — over 800 gallons per hour. A 3/4-inch pipe releases even more. Response within the first hour dramatically reduces total restoration cost.