What to do if a pipe bursts

The first five minutes

Speed matters most at the start, because water keeps flowing until the supply is closed. Work through these steps in order, and skip any step that would put you in contact with water near electricity.

1. Shut off the main water valve. Turn a round wheel handle clockwise until it stops; turn a lever handle a quarter turn so it sits across the pipe. In many Columbus-area homes the main valve is in the basement near the front wall where the water line enters.
2. If water is near outlets, cords, a furnace or the electrical panel, do not walk through it. Turn off the breaker for that area only if you can reach the panel while standing on a dry surface. Otherwise, stay out and wait for help.
3. Open the lowest faucets in the house and flush toilets to drain water left in the pipes and relieve pressure.
4. If the break is on a hot water line, or the water heater will be without water for a while, ask your plumber whether to turn the water heater off. Do not work on gas controls yourself if you are unsure.
5. Call a plumber and describe what broke, where it is and whether the water is now off.

If you cannot find or turn the main valve

Older valves can be stiff or seized. Do not force a corroded valve so hard that it breaks. Some homes also have a valve at the water meter. In the City of Columbus, the curb box or meter pit near the street is generally handled by the city's water utility rather than by homeowners, so do not dig into or tamper with it; contact the city utility through 311 if the leak is at or near the meter or curb. Suburbs such as Dublin, Westerville and Worthington may have their own utility arrangements, so check with your city.

Limit the damage once the water is off

After the flow stops, the job becomes protecting the house and your belongings. Work only in areas that are safe to enter.

1. Move furniture, electronics, rugs and stored boxes out of the wet area or up off the floor.
2. Remove standing water with a wet vacuum, mop and towels. Do not use a household vacuum.
3. Put foil or plastic under furniture legs to keep stains from spreading into wet carpet.
4. Open cabinets and closets, run fans and a dehumidifier if the area is safe for electrical use, and open windows if the weather allows.
5. If a ceiling is sagging with water, keep people out of the room below. Do not poke it while standing underneath.

Document everything for insurance

Take photos and video before you clean up, including the broken pipe, wet floors, walls, ceilings and damaged items. Keep the broken section of pipe if the plumber removes it. Write down the time you found the leak and the steps you took to stop it. Keep receipts for fans, dehumidifiers, emergency supplies and any temporary lodging. Call your insurance company or agent early; policies differ on what they cover, and many ask you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage.

Drying and mold: why the first two days matter

The EPA says that if wet materials are dried within 24 to 48 hours after a leak, mold will not grow in most cases. Drywall, insulation, carpet pad and wood framing can hold water you cannot see. If materials are still wet after a day or two, or if the water soaked into walls or ceilings, a water damage restoration company may need to measure moisture and open some surfaces. If the leak involved sewage, follow our sewer backup guide instead, because the cleanup rules are different.

What usually causes a burst pipe in winter

In cold weather, the most common cause is a pipe that froze. Ice builds pressure inside the line, and the break often shows up when the pipe thaws and water starts flowing again. Other causes include old or corroded pipe, failed fittings, washing machine hoses, water heater connections and high water pressure. A plumber can tell you whether the break was a one-time event or a sign that more of the piping needs attention. Our frozen pipe prevention guide covers how to reduce the risk next time.

• How to prevent frozen pipes in Columbus

Safety first

Electricity and standing water are a dangerous mix. Do not touch outlets, switches, appliances or cords while standing in water, and never enter a flooded basement if you think the power is still on near the water. If water reaches a gas furnace or water heater, or you smell gas, leave the home and call 911 or your gas utility from outside. The CDC also recommends avoiding contact with floodwater that may be contaminated. Wear gloves and boots for cleanup.

Questions to ask the plumber

Ask what failed and why, whether nearby piping should be checked, whether walls or ceilings need to be opened, whether the repair needs a permit, and what the visit and repair will cost before the work starts. Ask for a written description of the work for your insurance claim. For burst pipes, water heater leaks and other urgent plumbing problems in Columbus, see the pages below.

• Columbus emergency plumbing
• Columbus water heater help

Talk to a local provider

If a pipe has burst and the water is off, or you cannot stop the water, call the number on this page to be connected with an independent local provider serving Columbus and nearby suburbs such as Dublin, Westerville, Hilliard, Grove City, Gahanna, Reynoldsburg, Upper Arlington and Worthington. Ohio Service Hub is a referral service, not a contractor. Availability, pricing and arrival times are set by the provider you speak with, so confirm them on the call. Calls may be recorded and may be routed to an independent local service provider.

Common homeowner questions

Government and primary-source references

• EPA — A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home
• CDC — Flood and Electrical Safety
• American Red Cross — Frozen Pipes
• City of Columbus — Building & Zoning Services FAQ

External references support general guidance. They do not verify any specific contractor or provide a booking.