What to Do in the First Hour After a Pipe Bursts

Stop the water

Find your main shut-off valve. In houses it is often near the water meter or where the main line enters the home. In condos, a unit shut-off may be in a utility closet or behind an access panel; building staff can help.

Make it safe

If water is near outlets, appliances or the electrical panel, turn off power to those areas only if you can do so safely from a dry location.

• Keep children and pets out of wet areas
• Avoid ceilings that are sagging with water
• Do not use household vacuums on water

Document before you clean

Take wide photos of each room, then close-ups of the source and damaged materials. Photos help with insurance and association records.

Call for extraction and drying

Extraction removes standing water. Structural drying removes the moisture you cannot see. In Florida humidity, mold can start within 24 to 48 hours, so drying quickly matters.