What to Do Immediately After a Pipe Bursts in Your Home

Don’t Panic — But Don’t Wait

A burst pipe is one of the most common water damage emergencies we respond to in Southwest Missouri. The faster you act, the less damage you’ll have. Here’s exactly what to do in the first 60 minutes.

Step 1 — Shut Off the Water

Find your main water shutoff valve and turn it off immediately. If you don’t know where it is, find it before you ever need it.

Step 2 — Turn Off Electricity in Affected Areas

Water and electricity are dangerous together. Shut off power at your breaker box in affected areas. If unsure, shut off the main breaker.

Step 3 — Document Everything Before Cleanup

Take photos and video of all visible damage before you touch anything. Your insurance company needs this documentation. Don’t skip it.

Step 4 — Call Your Insurance Company

File a claim as soon as possible. Most homeowner policies cover sudden and accidental water damage from burst pipes.

Step 5 — Call a Professional Restoration Company

This is not a shop-vac job. Without professional drying equipment, hidden moisture leads to mold growth within 24 to 48 hours. Clean Green Restoration responds 24/7 and is typically on-site within 60 minutes. Call (417) 300-5062.

What NOT to Do

• Don’t use a regular household fan — it moves air but doesn’t remove moisture
• Don’t wait to see if it dries on its own — it won’t
• Don’t throw away damaged items before documenting them
• Don’t ignore a musty smell afterward — that’s mold starting

Written by Miles McNeill, Co-Owner & IICRC MRS-Certified Restoration Expert, Clean Green Restoration