What to Do When a Pipe Bursts: A Step-by-Step Guide

There’s nothing like the sudden shock of discovering a burst pipe—water gushing where it shouldn’t be, panic rising with every second. Whether it's a tiny leak or a full-blown flood, acting quickly is critical to minimize damage and avoid costly repairs. If you're dealing with this nightmare and need an emergency plumbing service in Commerce City CO, stay calm and follow these steps to get things under control.

Here’s a practical step-by-step guide on what to do when a pipe bursts—and how to prevent a plumbing mishap from turning into a full-blown disaster.

Step 1: Shut Off the Main Water Supply Immediately

The first thing you should do is stop the flow of water. Locate your home’s main water shut-off valve—usually found in the basement, crawlspace, or where the main line enters the house—and turn it clockwise until it stops.

Pro tip: If your household has multiple occupants, make sure everyone knows where the main shut-off valve is before an emergency happens.

Step 2: Turn Off Electricity in Affected Areas

If water is pouring near electrical outlets, appliances, or the fuse box, it’s important to turn off the power in that area to avoid the risk of electrical shock. If you can't safely reach the breaker box, call an electrician or wait for professional help.

Step 3: Drain Remaining Water

After shutting off the water supply, open all faucets to drain the remaining water from your plumbing system. Flush toilets, and open both hot and cold taps. This helps reduce pressure in the pipes and may prevent further leaking.

Step 4: Locate the Burst Pipe

Next, try to find where the burst occurred. Look for wet spots on walls, ceilings, or floors. Listen for hissing or dripping sounds. If the pipe is behind drywall, you might need to cut a small inspection hole.

Important: Don't try to patch or fix it unless you’re confident. A temporary fix could do more harm than good if done improperly.

Step 5: Call a Professional Plumber

Once you’ve contained the immediate crisis, it’s time to bring in the experts. Contact a trusted plumbing company like Fast Trak Plumbing and Drain to inspect the damage and perform a proper pipe repair. Professional plumbers can not only fix the burst pipe but also assess if there's damage to other parts of your plumbing system.

Step 6: Document the Damage for Insurance

Before cleanup, take photos and videos of the damage. These will be useful when filing a claim with your homeowners’ insurance. Include images of affected flooring, walls, furniture, and any visible mold or structural damage.

Step 7: Start the Cleanup Process

Use a wet/dry vacuum, towels, or a mop to remove standing water. Set up fans or a dehumidifier to help dry out the area and reduce the risk of mold growth. If water has soaked through drywall or flooring, consider calling a water damage restoration professional.

Case Study: A Real Homeowner’s Quick Action Saved Thousands

Last winter, a family in Commerce City woke up to water pooling in their kitchen. A pipe in the wall behind their dishwasher had frozen and burst. The homeowner quickly shut off the main valve, turned off electricity in the area, and called Fast Trak Plumbing and Drain. Within an hour, a technician arrived, performed the pipe repair, and helped guide them through the cleanup process. Thanks to their quick thinking and professional help, they avoided structural damage and high repair costs.

Don’t Wait—Be Prepared

Burst pipes can strike any time, especially in cold climates. Knowing what to do in those first few moments can make all the difference. Prepare ahead of time by:

• Knowing where your shut-off valve is
• Keeping emergency numbers handy
• Insulating pipes in cold areas of your home

If a pipe bursts, act fast and reach out to a trusted local plumber. Fast Trak Plumbing and Drain is ready to help when you need it most.