What Should I Do When a Pipe Bursts in My House?

The first step is to find your main water shutoff valve and turn it off. This valve is often near the water meter, in a basement, or where the main line enters the house. If you live in Arlington, keep the valve's location written down so you can act fast in an emergency.

Once the water is off, open a cold water faucet in the lowest level of the house to drain remaining water from the pipes. This helps reduce pressure and limits further leaking. If the burst is in a specific pipe, you may also have a local shutoff valve near that fixture.

Move furniture, rugs, and other items out of the wet area if you can. Place them on dry ground or raise them on blocks. This reduces water damage and makes cleanup easier for the pros later.

Remove any books, papers, or electronics that could be ruined. If you have documents that matter, dry them carefully or store them in a plastic bag. Every minute counts when trying to save items from water.

• Shut off the main water valve immediately
• Turn off electricity in affected zones
• Move furniture and rugs to dry areas
• Lift items off the floor with blocks or boards
• Place towels or buckets to catch drips
• Document the damage with photos for your records

After you have stopped the water and moved what you can, contact the pros. They can handle the cleanup, drying, and repairs. Their work usually involves extracting water, drying with industrial equipment, and removing damaged materials.

Before they start, ask about the scope of work and what you can expect. If you have insurance, check your policy to understand what is covered. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. The pros can give you a sense of the process, but your insurance company will handle claims.

• Water extraction and drying
• Removal of soaked drywall and insulation
• Mold prevention treatments
• Restoration of floors and walls
• Help with documenting damage for insurance