Burst pipe: what to do, step by step
Don't start with the mop. Start with the valve. Here's the order that limits damage and keeps your insurance claim clean.
The first 10 minutes
- Shut off the main water valve and open a faucet to drain pressure. In cold climates the valve is usually in the basement near the water heater or in a wall where the line enters; in warm climates it's often outside near the meter (State Farm).
- Make electricity safe. Shut off power to the affected area only if you can reach the panel from a dry spot. Never walk into standing water or touch wet electrical equipment — call an electrician or your utility if the panel itself is wet.
- Move valuables, electronics and rugs out of the water's path.
The next hour
- Document before you clean. Photos and video of the burst pipe, the waterline on walls, floors, appliances and belongings. Keep receipts for anything you buy or pay for.
- Call your insurance company or agent before throwing anything away.
- Call a plumber to repair the pipe, and a water removal company if water has soaked floors, walls or ceilings.
- Start removing water — towels, mop, wet vac — and get air moving.
The next 48 hours: drying is the whole game
The EPA's guidance: dry water-damaged areas and items within 24–48 hours to prevent mold growth. In most cases, if materials are dry within that window, mold won't grow.
- Professional crews use extractors, air movers and dehumidifiers; drying commonly takes about 1–7 days depending on how much water got into drywall, subfloors and framing.
- Wet drywall is often cut out 1–2 feet above the waterline so the wall cavity can dry.
- Soaked carpet pad and insulation usually can't be saved.
If the pipe is frozen but hasn't burst
- Keep the faucet open — moving water helps it thaw and relieves pressure.
- Warm the pipe with a hair dryer, space heater (kept away from anything flammable) or warm towels, starting near the faucet.
- Never use an open flame or torch.
- If you can't find or reach the frozen section, call a plumber. More in frozen pipes: thaw them safely.
What a burst pipe costs to fix
| Item | Published US range |
|---|---|
| Burst pipe repair, overall | $200–$3,000 (about $500 typical) |
| Repair inside an open wall (before drywall) | $150–$500 |
| Emergency plumber, per hour | $100–$500 (up to ~$600 on holidays) |
| Emergency trip / call-out fee | $100–$350 |
| Water damage extraction & drying | ~$3–$12 per sq ft, by water category |
Angi (2025–2026), HomeAdvisor, HomeGuide and Forbes Home published estimates. Emergency rates are often 1.5–3× normal (Angi). Run your own numbers in the water damage cost calculator.
Will insurance pay?
Usually, if the pipe burst suddenly — standard homeowners policies cover sudden and accidental water discharge, though not the cost of fixing the failed pipe itself. Claims get denied for slow leaks, lack of maintenance, or (for frozen pipes) not keeping the home heated. More in Does homeowners insurance cover a burst pipe?
Prevent the next one
- Keep the thermostat at 55°F or higher, even when you're away, and the same day and night during extreme cold (IBHS, American Red Cross).
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls.
- Let faucets served by exposed pipes drip during a freeze.
- Insulate pipes in garages, attics and crawlspaces, and know where your shut-off valve is before you need it.
Local guides
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Sources
- State Farm — Emergency shut-off; Home claims
- Allstate — Burst pipe water damage
- EPA — A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home
- American Red Cross — Winter storm safety; IBHS — Winter weather ready guide
- Costs — Angi burst pipe repair; Angi emergency plumber; HomeGuide; Forbes Home; HomeAdvisor