What To Do Immediately When a Pipe Bursts in Your Home or Business

Introduction

A burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water in minutes, causing extensive damage to walls, floors, electrical systems, and equipment. With freezing temperatures hitting Missouri and Kansas each winter, pipe bursts are one of the most common emergency service calls NCRI receives. The first few minutes after discovering a burst pipe are critical for minimizing damage and controlling the restoration cost.

This guide outlines the exact steps homeowners, property managers, and business owners should take when a pipe bursts.

1. Shut Off the Main Water Supply Immediately

The fastest way to stop additional flooding is to turn off your property’s main water valve. If you’re unsure where it’s located, check your property inspection report or building plan. Most homes have the valve along the foundation wall or utility room. Commercial buildings often require access keys or mechanical room entry.

If you cannot locate or access the valve, contact NCRI's 24/7 emergency team for guidance.

2. Turn Off Electrical Power in Affected Areas

Water and electricity create dangerous conditions. If water is pooling near outlets, appliances, or machinery, shut off electrical power from the breaker panel to the impacted rooms.
For electrical safety information, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides clear guidelines:
https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-electrical-safety

Do not walk through standing water where electrical current may be present.

3. Document the Damage for Insurance Purposes

Before cleanup, take detailed photos and videos of:

• The burst pipe location
• Wet walls, ceilings, floors
• Damaged furniture, equipment, inventory
• Water migration paths
• Any structural issues

This documentation will support your insurance claim and speed up approvals. NCRI also provides insurance-ready documentation for clients.

4. Remove Standing Water Quickly

The longer water sits, the higher the risk of structural deterioration and mold growth. If the area is small, you can start with towels or a wet vac.
For significant flooding, professional extraction is necessary. Industry standards from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) show that water should be removed within the first 24 hours to avoid microbial growth:
https://iicrc.org

NCRI uses high-capacity extractors to remove water fast and prevent secondary damage.

5. Protect Belongings and Equipment

Move valuables, electronics, inventory, and furniture from wet areas. For commercial clients, NCRI offers inventory protection and content restoration to salvage items whenever possible.

6. Call a Professional Water Damage Restoration Team

Burst pipes require more than surface-level cleanup. Water often spreads behind walls, under flooring, and into insulation.
Professional mitigation includes:

• Moisture mapping and thermal imaging
• Structural drying
• Dehumidification
• Mold prevention treatments
• Repairs and reconstruction

Calling NCRI quickly reduces your total restoration costs and downtime.

7. Schedule Repairs and Reconstruction

After mitigation, damaged drywall, flooring, insulation, or structural components may need replacement. NCRI provides full-service reconstruction, simplifying the process by handling mitigation and rebuild under one team.

Conclusion

A burst pipe can cause severe damage fast, but taking immediate action limits the impact. Shutting off water, documenting damage, and calling NCRI’s emergency restoration team ensures your home or business is protected from costly secondary issues like mold growth and structural deterioration.

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