Action checklist
Immediate Action Checklist
Follow these steps in order. Speed matters, but safety comes first.
- Check for electrical danger first. If the shutoff sits in standing water or near power, don’t go in. Contact your electric utility.
- If you can reach it safely, shut off the main water supply.
- Turn off power to wet areas at the breaker panel, only if you can reach it from a dry spot.
- Open a cold faucet at the lowest point in the house to drain remaining water.
- Move people, pets and valuables away from the leak.
- Photograph the burst and the damage.
- Call for repair help and, if needed, water damage help.
Main shutoff
Find and Close the Main Shutoff
The main shutoff is usually where the water line enters the home. Common spots include the basement, a utility room or near the water meter.
Turn the valve fully clockwise to close it. If it won’t move, don’t force it with heavy tools, since an old valve can break. Close any nearby local valve that feeds the burst pipe instead, if one exists.
Electrical safety
Electrical Safety Comes Before Cleanup
Water and electricity together can be deadly. Treat any water near power as a hazard.
- Don’t walk into water that touches outlets, extension cords or appliances.
- Don’t touch switches, breakers or devices with wet hands or while standing in water.
- If the electrical panel is wet or in standing water, stay away and contact your electric utility or an electrician.
- Unplug small devices only from a dry spot and only if it’s safe.
Unsafe exposure
Avoid Unsafe Exposure
Some water and damage carry extra risks. Be cautious before stepping in.
- Ceilings holding water can sag and fall. Stay out from under them.
- Water that mixed with drain or sewage water may be contaminated. Avoid contact.
- Wet floors are slippery, especially on stairs.
- Never use an open flame to thaw or dry a pipe.
Safety table
Safety and Next-Step Table
Use this table to match what you see with what to do next.
| Situation | Safety concern | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Water spraying from a pipe | Flooding | Close the main shutoff right away |
| Water near outlets or cords | Electric shock | Stay out, cut power only from a dry spot |
| Wet or flooded electrical panel | Severe shock risk | Keep away and call for qualified help |
| Sagging, bulging ceiling | Collapse | Keep people away, contain dripping water |
| Pipe frozen but not yet leaking | Burst when thawing | Open the faucet and check for splits |
| Water mixed with drain backup | Contamination | Avoid contact and get professional cleanup |
| Main shutoff won’t turn | Continued flooding | Close a local valve or call for help |
Can’t see the burst
If You Can’t See the Burst
Sometimes the break is inside a wall, ceiling or floor. You may only see water spreading, a bulging ceiling or a sudden pressure drop.
- Shut off the main water first, even before you find the source.
- Listen for running water and note where it seems loudest.
- Watch where new water appears to narrow down the area.
- Don’t cut into walls or ceilings near wiring to look for the pipe.
A concealed burst often needs careful locating before walls are opened. That can limit how much needs to be removed.
Document damage
Document the Damage Safely
Records help with repair decisions and any insurance conversation. Take them only when it’s safe.
- Photograph the burst section, wet areas and damaged belongings.
- Take a short video showing the extent of water spread.
- Note the time you found the leak and shut off the water.
- Keep damaged items until you know whether they need to be inspected.
Limit the spread
Limit the Spread of Water
Once the flow stops, reduce further damage.
- Mop or soak up standing water.
- Remove wet rugs and soft items from the area.
- Lift furniture onto blocks or move it to a dry room.
- Open cabinets and doors to let air move.
- Run fans only if outlets and cords are dry and safe.
Get the right help
Get the Right Help
A burst pipe often involves two kinds of work. The pipe must be repaired, and the building may need drying.
A plumbing provider handles the failed pipe. A water damage or restoration professional may be needed for wet drywall, insulation, carpet or framing. Your insurance company may also want to hear about the damage early.
Our page on frozen and burst pipe repair explains how damaged pipes are evaluated and repaired.
After the emergency
What to Expect After the Emergency
Stopping the water is the first step, not the last. Here’s what typically follows.
- The burst section is inspected to see how far damage extends.
- Nearby pipe may be checked for other weak spots or freeze damage.
- Walls or ceilings may need to be opened to reach the pipe.
- A repair or section replacement is chosen based on what’s found.
- Water is restored and the repair is checked for leaks.
For non-freeze failures, our pipe leak repair page covers repair choices in more depth.
Prevent the next
Help Prevent the Next One
If cold weather caused the burst, prevention can lower future risk. Insulating exposed pipes and sealing drafts are good starting points.
See our guide on how to prevent frozen pipes in Naperville for City-recommended winter tips.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I turn off the water heater after a burst?
Leave the water heater controls alone unless you know how to handle them safely. If the water will be off for a long time, follow the manufacturer’s instructions or ask a professional.
Can I use the plumbing after shutting off the main?
Not until the burst is repaired. Turning water back on can restart the flooding.
Why open a faucet after shutting off the water?
Opening a low faucet drains water left in the pipes and relieves pressure. That can reduce how much more water escapes from the break.
Where can I find other leak guides?
Browse all of our water leak guides for meter checks, hidden leak signs and more.