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The first ten minutes after a pipe bursts
What to shut off, what to photograph and what can wait until the plumber arrives.
Marcus Reyes
Owner · Master plumber
4 min read
A burst pipe feels like an emergency because it is one. The good news is that the first ten minutes are mostly about one valve.
1. Shut off the main
Find the main shut-off where the water line enters the house. Turn it clockwise until it stops. If it won’t budge, call us and we’ll talk you through the street-side valve.
2. Kill power to wet areas
If water is near outlets or the panel, switch off those circuits at the breaker. Don’t stand in water to do it.
3. Take photos before you mop
Your insurer will want them. Wide shots first, then close-ups of the pipe and any damaged flooring.
Everything else can wait for the tech.
Written by
Marcus Reyes
Started Brightside with one van in 2009. Still takes the hard calls himself.
