1. Shut off the main water
Find your main shutoff and close it. It's usually in a box near the street (the meter), on the front of the house, or in the garage. If you can't find it, close the valve on the line feeding the leak if there is one.
2. Turn off electricity in wet areas
If water is near outlets, appliances, or the electrical panel, turn off power to that area at the breaker, if you can do it safely. If the panel is wet, don't touch it.
3. Turn off the water heater
With the water off, turn the water heater to "vacation" or off (gas) or shut the breaker off (electric).
4. Open faucets to drain the lines
Open a faucet at the lowest point in the house and the outside faucets to drain remaining water out of the pipes.
5. Move belongings and start drying
Move furniture, rugs, and electronics out of the water. Mop up and start fans. The faster things dry, the less damage.
6. Take photos
Photograph the damage and the broken pipe for your insurance company before cleanup when possible.
7. Call a plumber
We answer 24/7. Tell us where the break is, whether the water is off, and whether there's water near electrical.