Emergency guide
Burst pipe? Do this in the next 5 minutes
Short answer: shut off the main water valve, turn off electricity near the water, open the lowest tap to drain the pipes, then call a plumber. Everything else can wait.
Step by step
What should you do when a pipe bursts?
- Close the main water shut-off. In most Toronto homes it is in the basement on the front wall, where the water line enters, next to the meter. Turn clockwise until it stops.
- Kill the power near the water. Switch off breakers for flooded areas. Do not touch the panel if you are standing in water.
- Drain the system. Open the lowest cold tap in the house and flush toilets to empty the pipes.
- Turn off the water heater. Gas: set to pilot. Electric: switch off its breaker.
- Move valuables and start drying. Towels, a wet vac, and photos of everything for your insurer.
- Call a licensed plumber. Tell them where the burst is and that the water is off.
When to call
When do you need a plumber instead of a DIY fix?
Always, if the pipe is inside a wall or ceiling, if water reached electrical wiring, or if you cannot find or close the shut-off valve. A temporary clamp on an exposed pipe can hold for a few hours, not a few days.
FAQ
Common questions
Should I turn off the electricity when a pipe bursts?
If water is near outlets, the electrical panel or appliances, yes: switch off the breakers for that area, or the main breaker if you can reach it without standing in water. If the panel is wet, stay away and call Toronto Hydro.
Will home insurance cover a burst pipe?
Sudden bursts are usually covered, slow leaks and freezing in an unheated home often are not. Take photos before cleaning up and keep damaged items until the adjuster sees them.
How do I stop pipes freezing in winter?
Keep the heat above 15°C, insulate pipes on exterior walls, disconnect garden hoses and close the outdoor tap shut-off valve before the first frost.
Water is off and you need a plumber?
We dispatch 24/7 across the GTA.