A burst pipe is one of the few plumbing problems where minutes genuinely matter — water can pour out faster than you’d believe and reach floors, walls, and belongings in no time. If it’s happening right now, here’s exactly what to do, in order.
1. Shut off your main water valve
This is the single most important step. Find your main shut-off valve and turn it clockwise until it stops. It’s usually where the water line enters the house — near the front hose bib, in the garage, or at the meter near the street. Turning it off stops water to the entire house and stops the flood at its source.
2. Turn off the water heater
Once the main is off, switch off your water heater to keep it from running dry and being damaged. For a gas unit, set it to “pilot”; for electric, switch off its breaker.
3. Cut the power if water is near electrical
If water is near outlets, appliances, or your electrical panel, shut off electricity to those areas at the breaker — but only if you can reach the panel without standing in water. If you can’t do it safely, stay clear and tell the plumber and, if needed, an electrician.
4. Open faucets to drain the system
With the main off, open a few cold taps (and flush a toilet) to drain the remaining water out of the pipes. This relieves pressure and reduces how much water keeps escaping from the burst.
5. Document everything, then call
Quickly photograph the burst and any water damage before you start cleaning up — it helps with insurance. Then call a 24/7 emergency plumber. Move valuables and soak up standing water while you wait.
Call our 24/7 emergency plumbing →Find your shut-off valve BEFORE you need it
The worst time to go hunting for your main shut-off is while water is spraying. Take two minutes today to locate yours and make sure it turns. In our area, older valves can seize up — if yours won’t budge, that’s worth having serviced before an emergency, not during one.
Aging or failing pipes? See repiping →Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the first thing to do when a pipe bursts?
Shut off your main water valve immediately — turn it clockwise until it stops. It’s usually near where the water line enters the house, in the garage, or at the meter by the street. That stops water to the whole house and ends the flood at its source.
Should I turn off electricity during a burst pipe?
If water is near outlets, appliances, or the electrical panel, shut off power to those areas at the breaker — but only if you can reach the panel without standing in water. If you can’t do it safely, stay clear and call a professional.
Do you offer 24/7 emergency plumbing in San Jacinto?
Yes. We respond to burst pipes and other plumbing emergencies around the clock. Call (949) 379-0082 any time and we’ll dispatch as quickly as possible.