A burst pipe can release a lot of water in minutes. What you do in the first few minutes can limit water damage, mold, and repair cost. Here’s a clear order of steps: shut off the water, protect yourself and your home, then call a plumber for emergency leak repair.
Your first priority is to stop the flow of water. Find your main shutoff valve—usually near the water meter (often in a box near the curb or sidewalk), in the garage, in a utility room, or near the water heater. Turn it clockwise until it stops. If you don’t know where it is, look for a valve on the main pipe that enters your house; in Florida many homes have it near the water meter or just inside the foundation. Once the main is off, no new water will enter your plumbing and the leak will stop (after any water already in the pipes drains out).
After shutting off the main, open a few cold-water faucets (e.g. sink, tub) so the remaining water in the pipes can drain out. That relieves pressure and reduces the chance of more spraying or dripping from the burst. You can leave them open until the plumber arrives.
Water and electricity don’t mix. If water has reached outlets, lights, or the electrical panel, turn off power to those circuits at your circuit breaker. Do not stand in water to reach the panel—if it’s not safe, call for help. If water is near the panel, your utility may need to disconnect power from outside; when in doubt, stay out of standing water and wait for a professional.
Move furniture, rugs, electronics, and important documents out of the water. Use towels, a mop, or a wet/dry vacuum to remove standing water as soon as you can. The faster you dry, the less water damage and mold you’ll have. In Florida’s humidity, mold can start within 24–48 hours, so every hour counts.
Once the water is off and you’re safe, call a licensed plumber for emergency leak repair. We’ll locate the burst (if it’s not obvious), repair or replace the damaged section, and get your plumbing back in service. For major water damage to drywall, flooring, or insulation, you may also need a restoration company; we focus on the plumbing repair and can recommend next steps.
If the leak is between the street and your water meter (e.g. water bubbling up near the curb or meter), the water utility or city water department is usually responsible—call them first. If the leak is on your side of the meter (between the meter and your house, or inside the house), call a licensed plumber for emergency leak repair. We can help you figure out which side the leak is on using a water meter test and then repair it if it’s on your side.
A burst pipe can release many gallons per minute. The longer it runs, the more water damage—soaked drywall, warped floors, mold growth, and in some cases structural damage. Repair cost and restoration costs go up the longer you wait. Acting quickly by shut off the main and calling a plumber limits damage and gets you back to normal sooner.
Leak Repair Florida offers 24/7 emergency leak repair across Florida. We’re based in Orlando at 426 W Robinson St, Orlando, FL 32801 and serve Central Florida, Tampa Bay, South Florida, Space Coast, and Northeast Florida. When you call we’ll help you shut off the main if needed and get a technician headed your way.
Contact us for emergency leak repair.
Emergency Leak Repair · Pipe Burst Repair · Leak Repair Florida