Act Fast — Every Minute Matters
A burst pipe is one of the most stressful home emergencies a property owner can face. Water can pour at a rate of 8 gallons per minute from a ruptured supply line, quickly soaking floors, walls, and ceilings. The first 60 minutes are critical. Here's exactly what to do.
Step 1: Shut Off the Water Immediately
Your first priority is stopping the flow of water. Locate your main water shut-off valve — typically found near the water meter, in a utility room, basement, or crawl space. Turn it clockwise (right) until it stops. If you can't find the main shut-off, call your utility provider for an emergency shut-off.
Pro tip: Know where your shut-off valve is before an emergency happens. Walk through your home today and locate it. Post its location on your refrigerator for other family members.
Step 2: Turn Off the Electricity in Affected Areas
Water and electricity are a deadly combination. If water has reached outlets, light fixtures, or your electrical panel, do not enter those areas. Go to your breaker box and turn off electricity to any rooms with water damage. If the breaker panel itself is in a wet area, call an electrician immediately and do not touch it.
Step 3: Contain and Protect What You Can
While waiting for help to arrive, move furniture, rugs, electronics, and valuables out of the affected area. Place towels or buckets to catch dripping water. If safe to do so, use a wet-dry vacuum or mop to remove standing water — every inch of water you remove now reduces drying time and prevents mold.
Step 4: Document Everything for Insurance
Before you clean up anything, photograph and video the damage from multiple angles. Capture the burst pipe location, standing water, affected walls, ceilings, and damaged belongings. This documentation is essential for your insurance claim. Note the time the burst occurred if you know it.
Step 5: Call a Professional Restoration Company
Even if the visible water is gone, moisture remains hidden in walls, under flooring, and in insulation. Without professional moisture detection equipment, you risk mold growth within 24–48 hours. A certified water damage restoration team will:
- Use thermal imaging cameras to find hidden moisture
- Deploy industrial air movers and dehumidifiers
- Monitor moisture levels daily until fully dry
- Document everything for your insurance adjuster
- Coordinate with your insurer directly
Step 6: Call Your Insurance Company
Contact your homeowner's insurance company to report the claim. Most standard homeowner's policies cover sudden and accidental water damage from burst pipes. Have your photos, videos, and any restoration estimates ready. At Water Damage Restoration Boerne TX, we work directly with all major insurance carriers and can assist with the claims process.
What Not to Do After a Pipe Bursts
- Don't use a regular vacuum — it's not designed for water and can be a shock hazard
- Don't use fans alone — they spread moisture and can accelerate mold growth without proper dehumidification
- Don't wait — mold can begin growing in as little as 24 hours in Texas heat and humidity
- Don't throw away damaged items before insurance documents them
When to Call for Emergency Service
If you're in the Boerne, TX area and experience a burst pipe, call us immediately at (830) 271-3338. We respond to water damage emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — including weekends and holidays. Our team typically arrives within 60 minutes of your call across Kendall and Bexar Counties.
Fast response is the single most important factor in minimizing damage and reducing your overall restoration cost. Don't wait — call us now.