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. Call (888) 840-6512 to reach a certified water damage restoration company in your area; the line is answered 24/7.
Quick answer
Shut the main water off first — a burst supply line moves on the order of 14 gallons a minute, so the shut-off saves more than anything else you can do. Then cut power to the affected rooms, photograph the damage before you mop, and call a restoration company as well as a plumber: the plumber fixes the pipe, but nobody bills for drying the wall cavity and subfloor the water went into. Typical loss $1,200–$8,000, and mold starts on wet porous material within 24–48 hours. To get a certified crew started while the plumber handles the pipe, (888) 840-6512, answered 24/7.
Press 1 for water damage or 2 for mold, then your 5-digit ZIP. The line goes quiet for about half a minute while it connects — that is normal, stay on. Have ready: the address with ZIP, when the water started, what is wet now, and whether you have opened an insurance claim.
The calls in order, and why: Who to call for a burst pipe
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
Mold growth timeline
Mold Growth Clock
What happens hour by hour after water damage
0h
elapsed
Water Intrusion
lowHour 0Water 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
Plumber or restoration company first?
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.
Is a burst pipe covered by insurance?
YesBurst 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.
How much water does a burst pipe release?
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.
Who do I call right now for water damage?
Call (888) 840-6512. The line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and connects you with an IICRC-certified water damage restoration company that serves your area. Describe what you can see — where the water is coming from, how long it has been there, and whether it smells — the more specific you are, the faster the right company is on the line.
If the source is a pipe or an appliance, shut the main water valve first. Have four things ready and the call goes quickly: the address, when the water started, what is wet now, and whether you have filed an insurance claim.
Still not sure which of these is your situation? (888) 840-6512 · toll-free · answered 24/7
Read the full guide: burst pipe water damage what to do
(888) 840-6512