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What Should I Do When a Pipe Bursts?

Shut-off steps in order, what to photograph for insurance, and when to call.

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Updated October 2026 · By Lowell Plumbing Pros · Rules linked to official sources

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Direct answer

When a pipe bursts, close your main water shut-off immediately, usually in the basement where the water line enters near the meter. Then turn off the water heater, open a low faucet to drain the lines, keep clear of water near electricity, move valuables, photograph the damage for insurance, and call a 24/7 emergency plumber.

Step by step: the first ten minutes

  1. Close the main water shut-off. Find it where the water service comes through the foundation, near the meter. Turn a round handle clockwise until it stops; turn a lever a quarter-turn so it sits across the pipe.
  2. Turn off the water heater. Gas: set it to “pilot” or “vacation”. Electric: switch off its breaker. This protects the heater while the water is off.
  3. Drain the system. Open the lowest faucet in the house, often a basement laundry sink, and then an upstairs tap to let air in.
  4. Stay away from water near electricity. If water is near outlets, cords or a panel, do not walk through it. Shut off power to that area only if you can reach the panel from a dry spot.
  5. Protect your things. Move valuables, electronics and papers. Put down towels and buckets.
  6. Document it. Take wide photos and video of every wet area and close-ups of the pipe before clean-up, and note the time.
  7. Call a plumber and tell others. Call the 24/7 line. In a multi-family building, warn the unit below and the landlord or manager.

If the main shut-off will not close

Older gate valves seize after years without use. Do not force a valve until it snaps. If yours will not turn, the curb valve at the street can stop the water, but it belongs to the water utility. In Lowell, call the Lowell Regional Water Utility for help with the curb stop [VERIFY AGAINST OFFICIAL SOURCE], and tell the plumber when you call so they can bring a replacement valve.

After the water is off

  • Call your insurance company and share the photos
  • Ask the plumber for a written cause and an itemized invoice
  • Keep the damaged pipe section if your insurer wants it
  • Call a water-damage restoration company for drying if walls, ceilings or floors are soaked
  • Ask why it burst, so it does not happen again

Lowell-specific note

Why pipes burst in Greater Lowell

Most bursts here are winter freeze bursts in pipes along exterior walls, unheated back porches and stairwells of triple-deckers, garage ceilings and crawlspaces. The split often shows up as the pipe thaws, so check those areas on the first warm morning after a cold snap. Older galvanized supply pipe in pre-war Lowell housing can also fail from internal corrosion.

Official sources

Get it fixed

Pipe burst? Shut it off, then call.

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Related questions

Usually in the basement on the wall facing the street, where the water service pipe comes through the foundation, next to the water meter. In some multi-family buildings each unit also has its own shut-off.

Only if water is near outlets, cords or the panel, and only if you can reach the panel from a dry spot. If you cannot do it safely, stay away and call 911 or your electric utility.

It is usually billed as an emergency visit, typically $108–$542 per visit in the Lowell area, with after-hours labor at $100–$650/hr after hours (market estimates).

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