What to Do When a Pipe Bursts: A Step-by-Step Emergency Guide
Updated 2026-09-16 by the Pennwynne Plumbing and Heating team
Find and close the main water shut-off valve immediately - it is usually where the water line enters the house, near the meter or water heater. Every Pennsylvania homeowner should know where this valve is before winter.
Open faucets to drain the remaining pressure, then move furniture, rugs and electronics away from the water. Turn off electricity to any wet areas at the breaker.
Call an emergency plumber. Take photos for insurance while you wait. Do not use space heaters or open flames to thaw a frozen section.
After the repair, ask the plumber about insulating exposed lines, sealing drafts near pipes and adding a smart leak sensor so a future freeze does not become a flood.
Get it fixed today
Our plumbers handle this across every city in Pennsylvania, 24/7. Call (888) 480-9811 or read more about the service: