Few things are more stressful for a homeowner than waking up at 2 AM to the sound of water rushing through walls or floors. A burst pipe can occur anytime, and the chaos often causes panic. However, staying calm and acting quickly can significantly lessen damage to your home and possessions.
Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air is ready to help 24/7 with fast, reliable emergency plumbing services. Our team is trained to respond immediately to burst pipes and water damage situations, giving you peace of mind when needed.
Our 5-step checklist guides you through what to do the moment a pipe bursts:
- Locate and shut off the main water supply.
- Assess the situation to determine whether to call 911 or an emergency plumber.
- Document everything for insurance purposes.
- Take initial steps to mitigate further damage.
- Contact us at (866) 941-8214 for emergency plumbing services.
Step 1: Your First Move – Locate and Shut Off the Main Water Supply
The very first step when a pipe bursts is shutting off the water. Stopping the flow limits flooding, reduces property damage, and can prevent structural issues. Knowing where your main water shutoff valve is in advance can save crucial minutes.
Common locations for the main water shutoff valve:
- Basements or utility rooms – Often near the water heater or where the main water line enters the home.
- Garages – Look along walls where the water line comes in from outside.
- Meter box near property line – In colder climates, meters may be in covered boxes in the yard or sidewalk.
How to shut off safely:
- Turn the valve clockwise until it stops. Some homes have a lever-style valve that must be perpendicular to the pipe.
- If your home has a two-story plumbing system, check for a secondary shutoff for the upstairs water lines.
- Avoid electrical hazards. If water is near outlets or appliances, turn off the electricity in affected areas before proceeding.
A flashlight and waterproof boots or gloves can help prevent slips and injuries when navigating wet floors. Acting quickly now reduces potential damage and makes future steps easier to handle.
Step 2: Assess the Damage – Is It a 911 Emergency or a Plumber’s Call?
Once the water is stopped, you need to determine the severity of the situation quickly. Not all emergencies require calling 911, but knowing the difference can keep you and your home safe.
Call 911 If:
- The water is in contact with electrical panels or live wires.
- Structural damage exists, posing a risk of collapse.
- You detect a gas leak near the water damage.
- Flooding is extreme and threatens life safety.
Call an emergency plumber if:
- Pipes have burst, causing water leaks, but no immediate life-threatening hazards.
- You need a rapid assessment and professional repair.
- Damage needs mitigation to prevent mold, rot, or long-term issues.
Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air is available 24/7. Our rapid response team arrives with the right tools, experience, and clear guidance, addressing the immediate issue and helping prevent further complications. Even in the middle of the night, you’re not alone.
Step 3: Document, Document, Document – What to Photograph for Insurance
Thorough documentation is essential for insurance claims. Photos and records demonstrate damage and support a quicker, smoother claim process.
What to photograph:
- The overall affected area before any cleanup.
- The source of the leak (burst pipe or fittings).
- All damaged property — walls, floors, furniture, electronics.
- Water levels and standing water are different in different spots.
- Any initial mitigation attempts, such as towels or buckets placed to catch water.
Take multiple angles, close-ups, and wide shots. This footage will help your insurance company understand the full extent of the damage and how urgent the repairs are.
Step 4: Mitigate Further Damage with Initial Cleanup
While waiting for professional help, take temporary steps to secure your home. Prioritize safety first.
Actions you can take include:
- Turning off electricity in areas affected by water.
- Removing valuables and furniture from contact with water.
- Avoiding using a vacuum cleaner to remove water; it can be dangerous if electricity is present.
- Opening windows or doors for ventilation to reduce humidity and slow mold growth.
These steps won’t replace professional remediation but can help reduce further damage while waiting for an emergency plumber.
Step 5: Your Next Heroic Move – Call Our Team
The final step is to get professional assistance. Even minor-looking bursts can cause hidden damage inside walls, under floors, or around plumbing fittings. We perform emergency plumbing repair, focusing on speed, reliability, and care.
Why us?
- 24/7 availability with no extra fees for nights, weekends, or holidays.
- Immediate response from trained, courteous technicians.
- Proven experience handling residential and commercial water emergencies.
- Transparent service — clear explanations and guidance on repair options.
- Customer-first, heroic approach providing safety and peace of mind.
A burst pipe doesn’t have to ruin your day — or night. Call us immediately for fast, reliable emergency plumbing service! Our team arrives quickly, assesses the damage, and restores your home’s plumbing efficiently and professionally.
Your Peace of Mind is Our Priority, 24/7
A burst pipe can be stressful, but preparation and the proper response make a big difference. By following this checklist and trusting Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air, you protect your home, reduce damage, and return to normal quickly.
Save our number — (866) 941-8214. We’re ready to be your plumbing hero when emergencies happen.
