A pipe burst: what to do before we arrive

Name: Pete's Plumbing
Address: Concord, NH, 03301, US
Telephone: +17622544897
Price range: From $90

Shut off the main water valve, stay away from anything electrical that's wet, open a faucet on the lowest floor to drain the lines, then call (762) 254-4897.

Updated October 26, 2026

Shut off the main water valve. If you can't find it, see "Where to find your water shut-off valve" in this section.
Stay clear of electricity. If water is near outlets or the electrical panel, don't walk through it.
Open a cold faucet on the lowest floor to drain the pipes, and turn the water heater off or to pilot.
Move belongings off the wet floor and start soaking up water with towels or a wet vacuum.
Take photos for your insurance before you clean up.
Call (762) 254-4897. We answer 24/7.

Basement storage room with wooden boxes labeled 'BOOKS' and 'MISC', flooded floor, work light illuminating water spray, exposed beams and concrete walls, industrial documentation or disaster photo — Shut the main first. Everything else comes after.

Our blog post "A Pipe Just Burst: What to Do in the First Ten Minutes" goes into more detail.