A burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water in a very short time. What you do in the first 30 minutes can make a real difference in how much damage spreads before help arrives. Here's exactly what to do, in order.
1. Shut Off Your Main Water Valve
This is the single most important step. Your main shutoff valve is typically located where the water line enters your home — often near the water heater, in a garage, or at an exterior wall. If you don't already know where yours is, this is worth finding today, before an emergency happens.
2. Turn Off Electricity to Affected Areas
If it's safe to reach your electrical panel without walking through standing water, turn off power to any circuits serving the affected area. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination — if you're unsure or the panel is in a wet area, wait for a professional.
3. Move Valuables to a Dry Area
If it's safe to do so, move furniture, electronics, and important documents away from the water. Every item removed from standing water early has a better chance of being saved.
4. Document the Damage
Take photos and videos of the affected area before any cleanup begins. This documentation is valuable for your insurance claim and for the restoration company's initial assessment.
5. Call a Restoration Company — Not Just a Plumber
A plumber can fix the pipe, but they typically don't handle water extraction, drying, or the resulting drywall and flooring damage. Calling a restoration company that coordinates directly with plumbers (or has one on call) means one point of contact instead of juggling two separate companies.
What NOT to Do
- Don't use a household vacuum to remove standing water — it's not designed for it and creates an electrical hazard
- Don't wait to see if it "dries on its own" — mold risk starts within 24 to 48 hours
- Don't walk through standing water near outlets or the electrical panel
- Don't throw away damaged items before documenting them for insurance
How Fast Should You Expect Help?
In Mesa, a responsive restoration company should have a live dispatcher answer immediately and a crew on site within about 40 minutes on average. If a company sends you to voicemail during an active emergency, that's a sign to call someone else.
Dealing with water damage right now in Mesa?
Call (480) 806-2186 for a free inspection