What to do when a pipe bursts
A burst pipe can damage a home quickly. Your job is to keep people safe, stop the water only if the controls are safely accessible, and give the plumber a clear picture of the problem.
Safety classification
Stop and contact a licensed professional
This guide covers safe first actions only. It is not a licence to perform regulated work or enter a dangerous area.
What to do
- 1
Keep clear of electricity
Do not touch wet switches, outlets, appliances or a switchboard. If water is near electricity and you cannot isolate power without entering the wet area, leave it alone.
- 2
Shut off the main water
If the stop tap is accessible without entering danger, turn it clockwise until closed. Apartment residents may need building management or an emergency plumber.
- 3
Reduce further damage
Move people, pets and portable belongings away. Use containers or towels only where there is no electrical, ceiling or structural risk.
- 4
Start the plumbing request
Share the address, affected room, when the leak began, whether water is isolated and photos taken from a safe position.
When to stop
- Water is touching electrical fittings
- A ceiling is sagging or bulging
- You cannot reach the shutoff safely
- The leak involves hot water, gas equipment or fire sprinklers
Plumbing
Prepare the problem, safety status and location once. The matching category will be pre-filled.
Start a free requestEditorial boundary
Fixit247 does not publish instructions for unlicensed electrical, gas, asbestos, structural, high-roof, dangerous tree or live-road work.
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