If water is near outlets, a breaker panel or plugged-in appliances, stay out of it. Turn the power off at the panel only if you can reach it without standing in water.
Right now
- Close the main shutoff valve, usually where the water line enters the house or near the water heater
- If you cannot find or turn it, the water utility can shut it off at the meter
- Turn off the water heater, or switch it to vacation or pilot mode
- Open the lowest faucets in the house to drain water out of the pipes
Limit the damage
Move furniture, rugs and valuables out of the water. Mop up and use towels and buckets. Photograph the damage and the burst section before cleanup for any insurance claim.
Why pipes burst
Freezing is the most common cause: water expands as it turns to ice and splits the pipe, often in an unheated space or an outside wall. Corrosion, high pressure and physical damage are the others.
What comes next
A plumber can repair the burst section and check the rest of the run for damage that has not leaked yet. Standing water inside walls and floors needs drying quickly to prevent mold.