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Plumbing · triage

A pipe burst or water is pouring in

The short answer

Close the main water shutoff now. If water is near outlets, cords or the panel, follow the water-near-electrics card first. Then call a plumber, and photograph everything before you clean up.

Electricity firstDo not step into water that may touch anything electrical. Cut power at the main breaker only if you can reach it while standing dry.

Know your shutoffs

Main water shutoffWhere the water line enters the house: a basement or crawlspace wall, the garage, a utility closet, or near the water heater in warm climates.Electrical panel and main breakerThe breaker panel (or fuse box), often in a garage, basement, utility room or hallway.

Every outcome on this card

Emergency nowWater near electrics

Stay out of the water. Power off only from somewhere dry.

  1. Keep everyone out of the wet area
  2. Cut the main breaker only if you can stay dry; otherwise call the utility or 911
  3. Then close the main water shutoff
Emergency nowActive leak

Stop the water now. Plumber today.

  1. Close the main water shutoff Usually where the line enters the house: basement wall, crawlspace, garage, or a utility closet. Turn clockwise until it stops.
  2. Open a faucet at the lowest point of the house It drains the pipes and relieves pressure.
  3. Turn off the water heater Electric: breaker off. Gas: control to OFF or pilot setting.

Burst pipes most often follow a freeze, a failed supply hose (washer, toilet, ice maker) or corrosion.

Related

Water near outlets, the panel or appliancesFrozen pipes: no water, or only a trickleWater stain on the ceiling: who to call

Written from

Original casaq guidance, updated 2026-10-05. General guidance, not a diagnosis; licensed-pro review pending. Severity levels: Emergency now / Today / This week / This month / Watch. Send a correction.

Step 1

Is the water near outlets, cords, appliances or the electrical panel?