Water Damage Restoration guide
What to Do When a Pipe BurstsCall Now.
Need help now? Call (833) 502-4258.
When a pipe bursts, shut off the main water valve, turn off power to wet areas if you can do it safely, open faucets to drain the lines, document the damage, and call a plumber for the pipe and a restoration company for the water.
Water actively leaking right now?
Shut off the main water valve if you can reach it safely, keep away from wet outlets and appliances, and call us. Every hour of standing water spreads the damage further.
When a pipe bursts, shut off the main water valve, turn off power to wet areas if you can do it safely, open faucets to drain the lines, document the damage, and call a plumber for the pipe and a restoration company for the water.
For immediate help, call Patriot Dry at (833) 502-4258.
Updated October 16, 2026 · Written and reviewed by the Patriot Dry team
- 1
Shut off the main water valve
It is usually where the water line enters the home: in the basement, crawl space, a utility closet, near the water heater, or in an outdoor meter box. Turn it clockwise until it stops.
- 2
Make the area electrically safe
If water is near outlets, cords, or the panel, do not walk through it. Turn off the breaker only if you can reach the panel from a dry spot.
- 3
Drain the lines
Open the faucets on the lowest floor to relieve pressure and drain water left in the pipes.
- 4
Document everything
Take photos and video of the burst, the water, and every affected room before moving anything.
- 5
Remove what you safely can
Move electronics, documents, and rugs to a dry area, and lift furniture off wet carpet.
- 6
Call for help
A plumber repairs the pipe. A restoration company extracts the water, dries the structure, and documents the loss for insurance.
A burst supply pipe releases pressurized water until it is shut off, so damage spreads quickly into walls, ceilings, and the floors below. Water that sits wicks up drywall and soaks subfloors and insulation.
The EPA advises drying water-damaged materials within 24 to 48 hours to help prevent mold. Fast extraction and professional drying are what keep a burst pipe from turning into a rebuild.
A technician inspects the area, confirms the water category, and maps where moisture has traveled using meters and thermal imaging. Standing water is extracted, wet materials that cannot be saved are removed, and air movers and dehumidifiers are set.
Moisture is measured every day until materials are back to normal dry levels. Then damaged drywall, flooring, and finishes are repaired.
Many homeowners policies cover sudden and accidental pipe bursts. Damage from long-term leaks or lack of maintenance is often excluded. Your policy wording decides it, so notify your insurer promptly and keep all photos and reports.
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Services that solve this
Each page explains the service in detail, with local pages for your city.
Call Now (833) 502-4258- Emergency Burst Pipe Water DamageIf it is happening right now
- Burst Pipe Water DamageFast extraction and drying after a burst or broken pipe, which can release a lot of clean water into walls, ceilings, and floors very quickly..
- Water ExtractionRemoval of standing water with truck-mounted and portable extractors, the fastest way to cut drying time and prevent secondary damage..
- Structural DryingControlled drying of walls, floors, framing, and subfloors using air movers and dehumidifiers, tracked with daily moisture readings..
- Frozen Pipe Water DamageCleanup and drying after a pipe freezes and splits.
How do I find my main water shut-off valve?
Look where the water line enters the house: basement walls, crawl spaces, utility closets, near the water heater, or in a meter box near the street. Finding it before an emergency saves valuable minutes.
Call now: (833) 502-4258Can I use the water after a pipe bursts?
Not until the pipe is repaired. Keep the main valve off or isolate the damaged section if your plumbing allows it.
Call now: (833) 502-4258How long does it take to dry after a burst pipe?
Typical structural drying takes three to five days, longer for dense materials such as hardwood or plaster.
Call now: (833) 502-4258Who do I call for burst pipe water damage near me?
Call Patriot Dry at (833) 502-4258. A real person answers, helps you make the area safe, and connects you with a local burst pipe water damage professional.
Call now: (833) 502-4258Is there a 24 hour burst pipe water damage company near me?
Yes. Patriot Dry's line is answered 24/7 emergency response. Call (833) 502-4258 any time, day or night, including weekends and holidays.
Call now: (833) 502-4258Answers reviewed October 2026 by the Patriot Dry team · Questions not answered here? Call (833) 502-4258.
a Pipe Bursts? Call now.
Talk to a real person at (833) 502-4258. We will help you make it safe and get a local professional moving.
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