A burst pipe is one of the most urgent plumbing problems a homeowner can face. Even a seemingly small rupture can lead to flooding, structural damage, mold growth, and skyrocketing water bills if left unchecked. While you’ll want to call emergency plumbing services immediately, there are critical steps you can take to reduce damage until professionals arrive. In this post, we walk you through what to do (and what not to do) when a pipe bursts, so you can act fast, smart, and safely.

1. Act Quickly — Time is of the Essence

When a pipe bursts, seconds count. The longer water flows uncontrolled, the more damage it can cause inside walls, floors, ceilings, and your belongings. While waiting for emergency plumbing services, your priority should be:

  1. Stopping or limiting the water flow
  2. Protecting property
  3. Staying safe

Let’s break those down.

2. Shut Off the Main Water Supply

Your first move should be to turn off the main water shutoff valve to your home. This stops all incoming water, not just the burst section.

  • The valve is commonly located near where the main line enters your house (often in a basement, garage, or utility room).
  • Turn the valve clockwise (or per the manufacturer’s direction) until it’s fully closed.
  • After shutting it off, open a faucet (cold side) at a lower level to relieve pressure in the lines.

By cutting the supply at the source, you prevent more water from flooding the damaged area, and you reduce further stress on the compromised pipe.

3. Drain Remaining Water from the Lines

Once the main supply is off:

  • Open faucets (cold and perhaps hot) throughout the home to drain residual water.
  • Flush toilets to clear water from the cistern and pipes.
  • If possible, open an outdoor hose bib (if connected) to help drain the system further.

Removing leftover water helps reduce pressure and leakage while you wait for emergency plumbing services.

4. Contain the Leak & Protect Surroundings

Now that the water is off and lines are draining, focus on minimizing property damage.

  • Use towels, rags, or old clothing to absorb water and slow the spread.
  • Place buckets or containers under the burst to catch drips.
  • If water is pooling, use a wet/dry vacuum (if available) to extract it.
  • Move delicate items, electronics, rugs, or furniture away from the leak area.
  • If safe, open windows or run fans to help dry out the space (this helps reduce mold risk).

5. Temporary Patch (If You Can & It’s Safe)

A temporary patch isn’t a replacement for professional repair, but in some cases, it can slow leaking until help arrives.

  • Use rubber and a clamp: wrap a piece of rubber (e.g., an old inner tube or rubber repair patch) around the break, then secure it with a hose clamp or strong zip ties.
  • Use pipe repair tape (self-fusing silicone or epoxy tape) to wrap the damaged spot tightly.
  • In low-pressure leaks (e.g. in exposed copper or PVC), you might also apply water-activated repair bandages (sold at many hardware stores).

Do not rely on these fixes long-term—they are stopgaps, not lasting solutions.

6. Cut Power If Needed (Electrical Safety)

If water has leaked near outlets, wiring, appliances, or panel boxes:

  • Turn off the power to affected areas via your circuit breaker.
  • Do not touch electrical devices with wet hands or while standing in water.
  • If the flood is serious, consider cutting the main electrical supply to avoid risk of shock or fire.

Safety must come first—don’t attempt further plumbing work if conditions are unsafe.

7. Call Emergency Plumbing Services Immediately

Even if you believe you’ve temporarily contained the leak, you should call for professional help without delay. When you call Flow-Rite Plumbing (or another trusted service), be ready with:

  • Your address and contact information
  • Description of where the burst occurred (basement, kitchen, exterior wall, etc.)
  • Any steps you’ve taken (water shutoff, patch, etc.)
  • Any safety concerns (electrical hazards, structural damage, etc.)

A qualified plumber can arrive equipped with the right tools, parts, and expertise to fix the break properly and restore your plumbing.

For residents in Milwaukee and surrounding areas, we at Flow-Rite Plumbing pride ourselves on 24/7 emergency plumbing services for situations just like this. You can learn more about our services here:

  • Our main site: Flow-Rite Plumbing (Milwaukee) Flow-Rite Plumbing
  • Our plumbing services in Milwaukee: plumber-milwaukee.com/plumbing-services-milwaukee/
  • Our emergency plumber info: plumber-milwaukee.com/emergency-plumber-milwaukee/
  • Areas we serve: plumber-milwaukee.com/plumbing-service-areas/

8. Document Everything for Insurance (If Applicable)

If the burst pipe causes significant damage, you may be able to file a homeowner’s insurance claim, depending on your policy coverage. To support that:

  • Take photos and video of the damage, burst point, and affected areas.
  • Keep records of all your actions (when you shut off water, what you moved, etc.)
  • Get a detailed invoice from the plumber (parts, labor, disposal).

These records help you and your insurer evaluate losses and claims more accurately.

9. After the Repair: Drying, Testing & Prevention

Once emergency plumbing services have fixed the burst, follow up with these steps:

  • Dry out all affected areas thoroughly (dehumidifiers, fans, open windows).
  • Inspect walls, floors, and for hidden moisture to prevent mold growth.
  • Test water pressure and run all fixtures to ensure no residual leakage.
  • Consider upgrading pipe insulation (especially in colder climates) to reduce future risk of freezing and bursting.
  • Schedule a full plumbing inspection periodically to catch vulnerabilities early.

Stay Calm & Call for Professional Help

Dealing with a burst pipe can be stressful, but staying calm and acting quickly can make all the difference. Shutting off the water, containing the leak, and calling for emergency plumbing services right away will help protect your home from extensive damage. 

At Flow-Rite Plumbing, our licensed plumbing professionals are ready to respond to emergencies throughout Milwaukee and the surrounding areas. Whether it’s day or night, you can count on us for dependable service and long-lasting repairs that restore safety and peace of mind to your home.