The first hour
- First minute
- Close the main water shutoff. If the leak is on one fixture, its stop valve may be enough.
- Next few minutes
- Keep people away from water near outlets and appliances. Shut off power to affected circuits only if the panel is dry and safe to reach.
- Within 15 minutes
- Open a faucet on the lowest level to drain the lines, and move valuables out of the water's path.
- Within 30 minutes
- Take photos and video of the source and the damage before cleanup.
- Within the hour
- Call a licensed plumber for the repair and contact your insurer about the damage.
Common sources of sudden leaks
| Source | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Toilet or faucet supply hose | Split or burst flexible line under a sink or behind a toilet |
| Washing machine hoses | Rubber hoses that bulged or cracked |
| Water heater | Leak at a fitting, the relief line or the tank |
| Pipe in a wall or ceiling | Stains, bulging drywall or water dripping from a light fixture |
| Under-slab line | Water rising through flooring or a warm wet spot |
Drying out and limiting damage
- Mop up standing water and remove soaked rugs.
- Lift furniture off wet floors with blocks or foil under the legs.
- Open cabinets and closets to let air move.
- Note any drywall that is soft or sagging.
- Ask whether professional drying is advisable for wet walls or flooring.
Example: a failed supply line behind the toilet
Illustrative example. Not a real job or customer.
Water is spraying from the braided line behind an upstairs toilet and running toward the hallway.
- Turn the stop valve behind the toilet clockwise; if it will not close, close the main shutoff.
- Mop the floor and check the ceiling below for drips.
- Photograph the failed line and any damage.
- Have a plumber replace the supply line and, if it is stiff or leaking, the stop valve too.
Fast shutoff kept the water mostly on the bathroom floor. The ceiling below was checked for moisture before any patching.
Questions for the plumber after a burst pipe
- What failed and why?
- Are other lines or hoses of the same age likely to fail?
- Does the main shutoff work well, or should it be replaced?
- Will you note the cause on the invoice for my insurance claim?
Common questions
Should I turn off the water heater too?
If the main is off for a long time or the leak involves the heater, a plumber may advise turning the heater off. Follow the instructions on its label.
Do I need a plumber if I stopped the leak myself?
Closing a valve only stops the flow. The failed part still needs repair, and hidden water may need checking.
What affects the cost of the repair?
Where the leak is, how much wall or floor must be opened, the parts involved and any drying or patching afterward.
General information for Sunny Hills, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.