A Pipe Just Burst: What To Do
Short answer
Close the main water shutoff first — it is usually near the meter, an exterior wall, or in a utility area. Then cut power to wet rooms, open a low faucet to drain the lines, and request emergency plumbing help.
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Immediate steps
- Shut the main water valve.
- Open the lowest faucet in the home to relieve pressure.
- Turn off electricity to affected areas.
- Turn off the water heater if the supply is off.
- Contain and photograph the damage, then start air movement to dry the area.
Where the main shutoff usually is
In Florida homes, look for a valve at the meter box near the street, on the exterior wall where the supply enters, or in a garage or utility closet. Knowing its location in advance is the single most useful thing a homeowner can do before an emergency.
Frequently asked questions
How much water does a burst pipe release?
A significant break can release hundreds of gallons per hour, which is why shutting the main matters more than anything else you do in the first minutes.
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