What should I do when a pipe bursts?

Where is the main shutoff in a Minnesota basement?

Usually on the wall facing the street, at the point the service line comes through the foundation, within a few feet of the water meter. In most houses here it is a ball valve with a lever handle or an older gate valve with a round wheel.

There are commonly two valves, one on each side of the meter. The one on the street side is the one you want. If the handle is stuck, do not force a corroded gate valve past the point it wants to go — you can break it open. Turn what you can and call.

Find that valve tonight, while nothing is wrong. Everyone who has stood in three inches of water looking for it wishes they had.

Why shut off the water heater second?

Because with the main off and the lines draining, the tank can lose water while the burner or elements are still trying to heat. On a gas unit, turn the control to the off or pilot position. On an electric unit, switch off the breaker.

When is the power the first move instead?

If water is actively reaching outlets, a panel, or a furnace, and you can reach the breaker without walking through the water, kill the power first. Nothing in a flooded basement is worth an electrical shock. If you cannot get to the panel safely, leave it, get everyone out, and call the utility.

What can you do before we arrive?

Open the lowest faucet in the house to drain pressure out of the system. Photograph everything before you move it — insurance will want it. Move what you can lift out of the water. Do not start cutting drywall.

Related questions

Should I turn off the water at the street?

No. The curb stop requires a special key and is the utility's valve. Use the interior main shutoff. If it will not close, call the water utility and call us.

Will my insurance cover a burst pipe?

Sudden accidental water discharge is typically covered; gradual leaks and freeze damage in a house that was left unheated often are not. Policies vary — read yours or call your agent.

How fast can you get here?

We hold same-day slots open every day for no-water and burst-pipe calls, and a real person answers the phone. We will not promise you a number of minutes we cannot control.