A Pipe Just Burst: Your First Moves

First, stop the water

When a pipe bursts, every second lets more water into your home. The single most important step is shutting off the main water supply. In most Aurora and York Region homes, the main shutoff is in the basement, close to where the water line passes through the foundation wall, by the meter. In newer houses it may be in a utility room or behind a small access panel under the stairs. On a well system, it is usually on the line leaving the pressure tank, and switching off the pump's breaker also stops new water.

If you do not know where your shutoff is, find it today, before you need it. Our guide on finding your main water shutoff walks through the usual locations.

Power and safety

Water and electricity do not mix. If water is near outlets, a panel, a furnace or appliances, keep out of standing water and shut off the power to that area at the breaker panel if you can reach it safely. If the panel is in the wet area, stay clear and call your utility or an electrician.

Next, open the lowest tap you have, a laundry sink or outdoor faucet, to drain the water left in the pipes. Then open a tap upstairs to let air in. This relieves pressure and reduces how much more water leaks out.

If the burst is on a hot water line, also shut off the water heater: set a gas tank to pilot or off, and flip the breaker for an electric one.

Photos for insurance

Before you start cleaning, take photos and short videos of the damage, the burst pipe and anything soaked. Note the time it happened. Your insurer will want to see the source of the water and the extent of the damage. Keep any damaged items until the adjuster has seen them, unless they pose a health risk.

1. Photograph the pipe and the area around it.
2. Capture wet walls, ceilings, floors and belongings.
3. Write down when you discovered it and what you did.
4. Call your insurer to report the claim and ask about next steps.

Drying out

Once the water is off and the photos are taken, start removing standing water with towels, a wet vacuum or a mop. Move furniture, rugs and boxes to a dry area. Open windows if the weather allows, and run fans and a dehumidifier. Wet drywall, insulation and carpet underlay can grow mould within a day or two, so larger floods may call for a professional restoration company.

Check your floor drains too. If debris washed into them, they may drain slowly. If they back up, our drain cleaning service can clear them.

Getting the pipe fixed

A burst pipe needs a proper repair, not just tape. We will cut out the damaged section, replace it and check nearby pipe for signs of the same problem. If it happened because of freezing, we will also talk about how to prevent it next time. For urgent help, see our emergency plumbing page. Homes in older areas such as Aurora Village are especially worth a full check afterward.