Phone answered 24/7 · Fresno, CA and nearby communities

Call 24/7: (559) 272-9793
San Joaquin River Dry-Out ProsWater Damage Help · Fresno, CA

What Should I Do Right After a Pipe Bursts in My House?

Last updated October 31, 2026

Call Now (559) 272-9793

The short answer

Shut off the Water

The first move is to locate your main water shutoff valve and turn it off. This stops the flow at the source. If you are unsure where the valve is, check near the water heater, under the kitchen sink, or where the main line enters your home. In Fresno, keep the shutoff valve location written down so you can act fast in an emergency.

Once the water is off, open a cold faucet on the lowest level of your home. This drains the remaining water from the pipes and relieves pressure. Leave it open until you are ready to have the pipe repaired. Do not turn the water back on until the burst pipe is fixed or inspected.

Cut the Power

Water and electricity do not mix. If the burst is near outlets, switches, or appliances, turn off the power at the breaker panel. Go to the main electrical panel and switch off the circuits for the affected rooms. If the panel is wet or you cannot reach it safely, call an electrician for help.

Avoid walking through standing water if the power is on. Use a flashlight with batteries instead of candles. If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound near the burst, leave the house and call the gas utility from outside. Your safety comes first.

  • Turn off circuits for wet rooms
  • Avoid touching wet electrical items
  • Use a battery-powered flashlight
  • Leave if you smell gas
  • Call an electrician for safe power shutoff

Protect Your Belongings

Move furniture, rugs, and boxes away from the wet area. Lift items onto blocks or plastic sheets to keep them off the damp floor. Books, photos, and important papers should go to a dry room immediately. The faster you dry these items, the better the chance of saving them.

Do not use a regular vacuum to pick up water. It can be a shock hazard. Use towels, a mop, or a wet-dry vacuum if you have one. Open windows and doors to let air move through the space. Run fans to help dry surfaces, but keep them away from standing water.

Document the Damage

Take photos and videos of the burst pipe, the water level, and the damaged items before you clean up. This record helps your insurance company understand what happened. Write down the time you noticed the burst and the steps you took after. Keep receipts for any supplies you buy, like towels or fans.

Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Check your policy to see what it says about water damage from burst pipes. You may need to file a claim quickly. Do not throw away damaged items until you know if they are needed for the claim. The pros can help you sort what to keep.

Call the Pros for Cleanup

After you have stopped the water and protected your space, contact local water damage pros. They have the equipment to dry walls, floors, and carpets properly. They can also check for hidden damage inside walls and under flooring. Acting fast reduces the risk of mold and further structural issues.

The pros will assess the extent of the water damage and plan the cleanup. This work usually involves extracting standing water, setting up industrial fans and dehumidifiers, and removing soaked materials. The cost depends on the size of the affected area, the type of flooring, and how long the water sat. Ask for a clear explanation of the process before work begins.

  • Extract standing water
  • Set up drying equipment
  • Check for hidden moisture
  • Remove soaked materials
  • Prevent mold growth
  • Assess structural damage

Need help right now?

Water keeps spreading into floors and walls, so it is worth acting early. Calls are answered 24/7.

Call Now (559) 272-9793

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to dry out after a burst pipe?

Drying time varies with the amount of water, materials, and airflow. It can take several days to a week for walls and floors to dry fully. The pros use dehumidifiers and fans to speed this up. Do not rush the process, as trapped moisture can cause mold.

Can I stay in my home during cleanup?

It depends on how severe the water damage is. If the affected area is small and dry, you may be able to stay. But if there is significant flooding or electrical hazards, it is safer to leave until the pros finish. Listen to their advice and your own comfort level.

What should I do with wet carpet and padding?

Wet carpet and padding often need to be removed to prevent mold. The pros can extract water first, but if the padding is soaked, it usually must be replaced. Carpet may be saved if dried quickly, but it depends on the water source and how long it stayed wet.

Call Now (559) 272-9793