A burst pipe is one of the most common reasons for sudden water damage, and one of the most manageable if you move quickly. Water from a failed supply line can release a huge amount in a short time, so the order of what you do matters. This guide walks through the first minutes, the first hour, the first day and what comes after. For help with the cleanup itself, see our page on burst pipe and water damage help in Annapolis.
The first ten minutes
Shut off the main water valve
Know where it is before an emergency. It's usually where the line enters the house, in a basement, utility room or near the meter.
Make the area electrically safe
The CDC says never to turn power on or off, or use electric tools, while standing in water. If water is near outlets or the panel, call an electrician.
Open the lowest faucets once the main is off
This drains water left in the lines and relieves pressure.
Move belongings out of the way
Lift furniture off wet carpet and move electronics, papers and valuables to a dry room.
Photograph the damage
Take wide and close photographs before you start cleanup.
The first hour
Once the water is stopped, three calls matter. Phone your plumber, because the pipe has to be repaired. Phone a restoration contractor, because the water has to come out and the structure has to dry. And phone your insurance company to open a claim and ask what it needs. While you wait, remove standing water you can safely reach, and keep fans and a dehumidifier going if you have them. See what to do after water damage for the full first-day checklist.
Who fixes what
| Problem | Who handles it |
|---|---|
| The failed pipe, fitting or fixture | A plumber. The City requires plumbing permits for work on water lines. |
| Standing water, wet carpet, wet walls and floors | A restoration contractor, who extracts and dries. |
| Wet outlets, panels or appliances | An electrician, before power is restored. |
| Rebuilding drywall, flooring and finishes | A licensed contractor, once the structure is dry. See water damage repair. |
| The claim | Your insurer, with your photographs and the contractor's records. |
What your policy may cover
The Maryland Insurance Administration says water damage to floors from a burst pipe is generally covered, but the cost of repairing or replacing the pipe usually isn't. Your policy's terms decide, so ask your insurer exactly what applies. Our guide to homeowners insurance and water damage in Maryland covers other situations, such as flooding and sewer backup, where the answer is different.
Why pipes burst
- Freezing. Water expands as it freezes, and ice in a pipe can split it. The break often only shows when the ice melts. Pipes in unheated crawl spaces, attics, garages and exterior walls are the most exposed.
- Age and corrosion. Older pipes and fittings can weaken, and a failure may show up as a small leak first.
- Pressure and connections. Supply lines, hoses and fittings can fail at the connection, especially on washing machines, toilets and ice makers.
- Water heaters. A leaking or failed tank can release a large amount of water into a closet, basement or utility room.
Hidden leaks before they burst
Not every pipe failure is dramatic. Stains on a ceiling or wall, bubbling or peeling paint, warped flooring, a musty smell, the sound of running water when nothing is on and an unexplained jump in the water bill all point to a leak you can't see. Catching one early costs far less than finding it after the drywall has soaked through. A plumber can test the lines, and a restoration crew can find wet areas with moisture meters and thermal imaging.
Preventing the next one
- Learn where the main shutoff is, and make sure everyone in the house does.
- Insulate pipes in crawl spaces, attics and exterior walls, and keep some heat on when you're away in winter.
- Replace old washing machine hoses and supply lines before they fail.
- Consider water leak sensors near the water heater, washing machine and under sinks.
- If a pipe has frozen but not burst, shut off the water and call a plumber instead of using open flame.
After the pipe is fixed
Fixing the pipe is the start of the job, not the end. Wall cavities, insulation and subfloors may still be wet, and the EPA says water-damaged areas should be dried within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth. That's the work covered on our burst pipe water damage page and in structural drying. Once readings show the structure is dry, repairs can begin.