Pipe Burst? Here's Exactly What to Do in the First 30 Minutes

A burst pipe can release over 100 gallons of water per hour into your home. What you do in the first 30 minutes has more influence over your total damage and repair cost than almost anything else. Here's the exact order of steps to take.

Minute 1-2: Shut Off the Main Water Valve

Your top priority is stopping the water at the source. Locate your home's main shut-off valve — in most Phoenix-area homes, this is near the water meter at the front of the property, or where the main line enters a garage or utility closet. Turn the valve clockwise until it stops. If you don't know where your shut-off valve is, find it today, before an emergency happens.

Minute 3-5: Shut Off Electricity to the Affected Area

Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. If the flooding is near outlets, light switches, or plugged-in appliances, go to your breaker panel and shut off power to that specific area or circuit. If the water is deep or you're unsure, shut off power to the entire house rather than risk it.

Minute 5-15: Move Valuables Out of the Water

Once the water source is stopped and electricity is safe, start moving furniture, electronics, area rugs, important documents, and anything irreplaceable out of the affected area. Every minute an item sits in water increases the chance it can't be saved.

Minute 15-20: Document Everything

Before you start any cleanup, take photos and video of the standing water and all affected areas from multiple angles. This documentation is critical for your insurance claim — once water is extracted and materials are removed, you lose the ability to show the full extent of the damage.

Minute 20-30: Call a Professional Restoration Company

Standing water needs to be extracted within hours, not days, to prevent it from soaking into subflooring, drywall, and framing — and mold can begin growing in as little as 24-48 hours. Call Dryout Masters at (480) 485-7989 for 24/7 emergency response with a 60-minute on-site guarantee anywhere in the Phoenix metro area.

What NOT to Do

• Don't use a household vacuum to remove standing water — it can cause electric shock and isn't designed for water extraction
• Don't walk through water near electrical outlets or panels until power is confirmed off
• Don't wait to see if it dries on its own — the longer water sits, the more materials it damages and the higher the mold risk
• Don't throw away damaged items before documenting them for insurance

What Happens When Dryout Masters Arrives

Our technicians arrive with industrial water extraction equipment, moisture meters, and thermal imaging cameras to find all affected areas, including water that has traveled inside walls or under flooring. We begin extraction immediately, set up structural drying equipment, and document everything for your insurance claim. Learn more about our full water damage restoration process.