When a pipe bursts, shut off the main water valve first, then turn off electricity to any wet area. After that, open a low faucet to drain the lines, move belongings out of the water, photograph everything and call for the pipe repair and drying. In Chicopee, call Water Damage Pro at (413) 603-1274: we do both in one call.
The 7 steps, in order
- Shut the main water valve. Usually in the basement where the line enters through the front wall, next to the meter. Turn it clockwise until it stops. See how to shut off the main valve.
- Cut power to wet areas. Switch off the breakers for wet rooms. If the panel is wet or you would have to stand in water to reach it, stay out and call 911.
- Open a faucet on the lowest floor and flush a toilet to drain the water still in the pipes.
- Turn off the water heater if the main is off for long: gas control to pilot or off, or the breaker for an electric heater.
- Move belongings. Electronics, papers, rugs and furniture out of the water. Put foil or blocks under furniture legs.
- Photograph and video everything before cleanup: the pipe, the water, ceilings below and damaged items.
- Call for repair and drying. (413) 603-1274.
If the main valve will not close
Old gate valves in Chicopee basements often stick or leak through. Do not force it with a big wrench. Call us, and if water is pouring, ask the Chicopee Water Department to shut it at the street. See main water valve won't shut off.
What not to do
- Do not walk through standing water near outlets, cords or the panel
- Do not use a hair dryer or heater in a wet room
- Do not turn the water back on until the pipe is fixed or capped
- Do not throw away damaged items before they are photographed
- Do not wait to start drying. Mold can begin within 24 to 48 hours
Why the burst often comes on the thaw
In Chicopee, most burst pipes show up a day or two after a deep freeze, when ice melts and water flows through a pipe that split while frozen. If it was very cold last night, check pipes along outside walls and in the basement before you leave for work. See why pipes burst when they thaw.
Keep a small kit ready
A flashlight, a pair of work gloves, a bucket, old towels and the location of your main valve written on a card by the basement stairs. When a pipe bursts at night, those few things save minutes, and minutes are what decide how far the water spreads.
Burst pipe questions
Should I call a plumber or a water damage company?
Usually you need both. Water Damage Pro does the plumbing repair and the drying in the same visit. See plumber or water damage company.
Should I call my insurance company right away?
Report it promptly, but do not wait for the adjuster to stop the water and start drying. Photograph first. See how to document water damage.
What if it happens in my apartment?
Shut the water if you can, then tell the landlord right away in writing. See pipe burst in your apartment.
Pipe burst? Call now
Call (413) 603-1274 now. Locally owned in Chicopee: we fix the pipe and dry the house in one call.