Emergency Plumbing 101: What to Do When a Pipe Bursts in Your Home

A burst pipe is one of the most stressful plumbing emergencies a homeowner can face. Water is rushing in somewhere it should not be, and every second counts. Whether it is the dead of winter in Sandy, Utah, or a sweltering July afternoon, knowing exactly what to do — and what not to do — can be the difference between a manageable repair and tens of thousands of dollars in water damage.

This guide walks you through the immediate steps to take when a pipe bursts, how to minimize damage while you wait for help, and when to call a professional emergency plumber in Sandy, Utah.

Step 1: Shut Off the Main Water Supply Immediately

Your very first move is to stop the flow of water. Do not wait to see where the leak is coming from. Go directly to your main water shutoff valve and turn it off.

In most Sandy-area homes, the main shutoff is located in one of these places:

• Near the water meter, typically in the garage or utility room
• Along the perimeter of the basement or crawlspace
• Outside near the foundation, often in a covered box flush with the ground

Turn the valve clockwise (righty-tighty) until it stops. If you have a ball valve, rotate the handle 90 degrees so it sits perpendicular to the pipe. Once the main is off, open a faucet on the lowest floor of your home to drain remaining water pressure from the lines.

Pro tip: Know where your shutoff valve is before an emergency. Walk through your home right now and locate it. Every adult in your household should know where it is and how to use it.

Step 2: Turn Off the Water Heater

After shutting off the main supply, turn off your water heater. Running a water heater without water flowing through it can damage the unit or cause it to overheat. For gas water heaters, turn the dial to the "pilot" setting. For electric units, switch off the dedicated breaker in your electrical panel.

Step 3: Drain the Remaining Water

Even with the main water off, your pipes still hold water under pressure. Open all cold-water faucets throughout the house to drain the system. Flush toilets to clear water from tanks. This reduces the volume of water that can leak from the burst section and relieves pressure in the lines.

Do not open hot water taps until after you have turned off the water heater and allowed it to cool — releasing hot water too quickly can cause scalding.

Step 4: Contain the Damage

While the pipe is draining, work quickly to minimize water damage:

• Move valuables: Get electronics, documents, furniture, and area rugs out of the affected area immediately.
• Mop and towel: Use towels, mops, and buckets to remove standing water. The faster you extract water, the less chance of mold growth and structural damage.
• Open windows and doors: Ventilation helps dry the space and reduces humidity, which discourages mold.
• Use a wet/dry vac: If you have one, a shop vac is far more effective at water removal than towels alone.
• Protect the subfloor: If water has reached hardwood floors or carpet, lift carpet where possible and use fans to dry the subfloor underneath.

Step 5: Locate the Burst Section (If Safe to Do So)

Once water has stopped flowing, try to identify the source of the burst. Look for:

• Water staining or discoloration on walls or ceilings
• Bulging drywall or plaster
• The sound of dripping behind walls
• Wet spots on floors above unfinished spaces

Do not attempt to access areas where water is in contact with electrical outlets, panels, or wiring. If you suspect electrical hazards, shut off the circuit breakers for affected areas and stay out until a professional clears the space.

Step 6: Call an Emergency Plumber in Sandy, Utah

A burst pipe is not a DIY situation — at least not permanently. While temporary patches like pipe repair clamps or self-fusing silicone tape can slow a small leak in a pinch, they are not permanent solutions. A licensed plumber needs to assess the full scope of the damage, determine what caused the pipe to fail, and make a proper repair.

When you call Valley Plumbing, tell us:

• Where the burst appears to be located (wall, ceiling, basement, etc.)
• Whether you have shut off the main water supply
• How much standing water is present
• Whether the area is near any electrical panels or outlets

This helps our Sandy-area plumbers arrive prepared with the right materials to get your water restored as quickly as possible.

When to DIY vs. When to Call a Pro

There are a few scenarios where a homeowner might buy time with a temporary fix:

• A pinhole leak on an exposed pipe: A pipe repair clamp from a hardware store can temporarily stop the leak while you schedule a service call.
• A loose fitting: Tightening an accessible slip joint under a sink may solve a minor drip.

However, always call a licensed plumber when:

• The burst is behind a wall, ceiling, or under a slab
• More than a small amount of water has entered the home
• You cannot locate or reach the shutoff valve
• Water is near electrical components
• The burst was caused by freezing temperatures (the pipe may be damaged along a longer section than is visible)
• You are unsure of the extent of the damage

Why Pipes Burst — and How to Prevent It

Understanding the cause helps prevent the next emergency:

Frozen Pipes

Utah winters can push temperatures well below freezing, especially in exposed areas like crawlspaces, garages, and exterior walls. Water expands when it freezes, creating pressure that can crack even copper and PVC pipes. Prevent frozen pipes by insulating exposed lines, keeping cabinet doors open under sinks on exterior walls during cold snaps, and letting a thin trickle of water run overnight when temperatures drop below 20°F.

Aging Pipes

Many Sandy-area homes were built in the 1970s–1990s with galvanized steel or older copper piping. These materials corrode over decades, weakening pipe walls until they eventually fail. If your home is more than 30 years old and you have not had a plumbing inspection, it is worth scheduling one before a burst catches you off guard.

High Water Pressure

Normal residential water pressure runs between 40–80 PSI. Pressure above 80 PSI puts constant stress on pipes, fittings, and appliance connections — and eventually causes failures. A pressure-reducing valve (PRV) installed by a licensed plumber can bring high pressure down to a safe range.

Clogs and Blockages

Severe blockages increase pressure upstream of the clog. Over time, this pressure surge can weaken pipe joints and fittings. Regular drain maintenance and avoiding grease, wipes, and foreign objects in drains reduces the risk.

What to Tell Your Insurance Company

After calling a plumber, contact your homeowner's insurance provider. Most standard policies cover sudden and accidental water damage from burst pipes — but not gradual leaks caused by neglect. Document everything:

• Take photos and video of the damage before cleanup
• Keep all receipts for emergency services, materials, and cleanup
• Ask your plumber for a written scope of work and damage assessment
• Save any damaged property until your adjuster has visited

Trust Valley Plumbing for Emergency Plumbing in Sandy, Utah

When a pipe bursts in your Sandy home, you do not have time to search for a plumber. Valley Plumbing has served Sandy and the surrounding communities — including Draper, South Jordan, Riverton, West Jordan, and Salt Lake City — for years. Our licensed plumbers respond quickly to plumbing emergencies around the clock, with the tools and experience to assess the damage, make a lasting repair, and help you get your home back to normal as fast as possible.

Do not wait until a small burst becomes a flooded basement. Call Valley Plumbing at (801) 341-4222 any time, day or night. We are here when you need us most.