The short answer
Close the main water valve first, then drain the lines by opening a faucet on the lowest floor, keep away from wet electrical areas and photograph the damage. Then call a plumber to repair the pipe and a restoration company to dry the house. Here's the first 30 minutes, minute by minute.
On this page
Minutes 0 to 5: shut off the water
Find the main shut-off. In most homes it's where the water line comes through the foundation, near the meter, often in the basement. Turn the handle clockwise until it stops, or turn a lever handle a quarter turn so it sits across the pipe. If you can't find or turn it, the water utility can shut it off at the curb.
Minutes 5 to 10: drain the lines and check the power
- Open a faucet on the lowest floor so the water left in the pipes drains out there instead of through the break.
- If the water heater will sit without water for long, turn it off following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Stay away from wet outlets, fixtures and the electrical panel. Call your electric utility if water is near the panel.
Minutes 10 to 20: protect and document
- Photograph the broken pipe, the water spread and damaged belongings.
- Move electronics, rugs, papers and furniture out of the wet area.
- Put buckets under drips and keep clear of sagging ceilings.
Minutes 20 to 30: make the calls
- A plumber, to repair or cap the pipe.
- A water damage restoration company, to extract water and start drying. See burst pipe water damage.
- Your insurer, to open a claim.
- Your landlord or condo association, if you don't own the building.
Why pipes burst in Westfield winters
The average January low at Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport is 12.9°F. When a pipe freezes, pressure builds in the water trapped between the ice and a closed faucet, and the pipe can split in a section that never froze. Many bursts are only discovered when temperatures rise and the ice melts. Pipes in exterior walls, unheated basements, crawl spaces, garages and attics are most at risk. Prevention tips are in how to keep pipes from freezing in a Westfield winter.
After the plumber leaves
A repaired pipe doesn't dry the house. Water from a burst supply line soaks wall cavities, ceilings and subfloors, and the EPA's guidance is to respond within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold. A restoration company measures moisture, extracts water and dries the structure over several days. For more, see our main page on water damage restoration in Westfield.
Sources
- Westfield, Massachusetts (Wikipedia: 2020 Census population, geography, Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport climate normals, 1981–2010)
- EPA, Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, Chapter 4 (responding to water damage within 24–48 hours)
Frequently asked questions
What do I do if I can't turn off my main water valve?
Call your water utility; they can usually shut off water at the curb. Meanwhile, catch water with buckets and keep away from electrical hazards.
Should I call a plumber or a restoration company for a burst pipe?
Both. The plumber repairs the pipe. The restoration company removes water and dries walls, ceilings and floors.
Will my insurance cover a burst pipe?
Often, if it was sudden and accidental. Some policies limit freezing damage in homes left without heat. Check your policy.