The first 60 seconds: shut off the water
The most important thing to do when a pipe bursts is to close your main water shutoff valve. In most Elmhurst-area homes it's in the basement on the wall facing the street, where the water line comes through the foundation near the water meter. Turn a round wheel handle clockwise until it stops. For a lever handle, turn it a quarter turn so it sits across the pipe. Everything else can wait until the water stops.
If the burst is under a sink or behind a toilet, the small valve on that supply line may stop it faster. If you can't find the main, or it won't turn, call a plumber now. We'll connect you: +92 347 556 2413.
What to do when a pipe bursts, step by step
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Shut off the main water supply
Close the main valve as described above. If water is pouring from a ceiling, avoid standing directly under it. Saturated drywall can give way.
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Make the area electrically safe
Don't walk through standing water that may be touching outlets, extension cords, appliances or the electrical panel. If you can reach your breaker panel from a dry spot, switch off power to the affected area. If you can't do that safely, stay out and tell the plumber when you call.
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Drain the pipes
Open the cold taps on the lowest level of the house, such as a basement laundry sink, and flush toilets to empty the water left in the system. This reduces how much more leaks from the break.
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Turn down the water heater
If the water will be off for a while, set a gas water heater to "pilot" or "vacation," or switch off the breaker for an electric one. That protects the heater while it isn't being refilled.
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Call a plumber
Describe where the break is and confirm the water is off. The plumber can tell you when they'll arrive and whether there's anything else to do before then. For help finding one, call us and we'll connect you with an independent local provider for Elmhurst burst pipe repair.
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Document everything for insurance
Before you clean up, take photos and video of the burst pipe, the water and every damaged item and surface. Then call your homeowners or renters insurer to report the claim.
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Start removing water and drying out
Mop and wet-vac standing water, move belongings to a dry area, pull up wet rugs, and run fans and a dehumidifier. The U.S. EPA recommends drying water-damaged materials within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold. For water inside walls or ceilings, or a large area, call a water damage restoration company.
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Find out why it burst
Once it's repaired, ask the plumber what caused it. If it froze, you'll want to know how to protect that line. Our frozen pipe guide explains prevention. If it was corrosion, ask whether more of the pipe is near the end of its life.
What not to do after a pipe bursts
- Don't turn the water back on to "test" the pipe before it's been repaired.
- Don't use regular household vacuums on water. Only use a wet-dry vac.
- Don't use an open flame or torch to thaw a frozen pipe nearby.
- Don't throw away damaged items before you've photographed them for your insurer.
- Don't ignore a sagging ceiling. If it's bulging with water, keep people and pets out from underneath.
If the pipe is frozen but hasn't burst yet
If a faucet isn't running on a freezing day but you don't see any water, the pipe may still be intact. Open the faucet, gently warm the frozen section with a hair dryer or heating pad, starting near the faucet, and watch for leaks as it thaws. If you can't find or reach the frozen section, or it's inside a wall, shut off the main valve as a precaution and get help. Our page on frozen pipe repair has the full process.
If you rent, or live in a condo
Shut off the water if you can find the valve. Many condo units have their own shutoff, often near the water heater or in a utility closet. Then notify your landlord or building management right away. In multi-unit buildings, water travels down to the units below, so tell your neighbors too. Responsibility for repairs and damage depends on your lease or the association's rules, so take photos and report it to your renters or condo insurance.
If water is coming up outside
Water bubbling up in the yard, parkway or street may be a water main or the public side of the service line, which is normally the municipality's responsibility. Contact the City of Elmhurst's public works or water department, or your own village's if you live in a neighboring town. A plumber handles leaks on your side of the line.