A burst pipe: the first five minutes

Water coming through the ceiling? What to do before the plumber gets there, in the order it matters.

Most of the damage from a burst pipe happens in the first half hour. These five minutes decide how much.

1. Turn off the main

Find the main shut-off valve: usually where the water pipe comes into the house, in the basement or crawlspace, by the water heater, or in a box near the street. Turn it clockwise until it stops. Everyone in the house should know where it is before they need it.

2. Switch off what’s wet

If water is near outlets, lights or the electrical panel, switch off those circuits at the breaker, but only if you can reach the panel standing somewhere dry.

3. Open a faucet

Open a cold faucet at the lowest point of the house. It drains the pipes and takes the pressure off the leak.

4. Take photos

Before you start mopping, take photos of the leak, the ceiling and anything damaged. Your insurer will ask.

5. Call

Then call us. We’ll ask where the water is coming from and talk you through anything else while the van is on the way.