Answer first
Shut the water off at the main, relieve pressure at a faucet, then call — those three steps, in that order, stop most of the damage while help is on the way.
01
Definition
What is this?
A burst pipe is an open break in a pressurized supply line. Water keeps flowing until the main shutoff closes or the municipal supply is cut. Speed matters more than tools.
02
When to use
When does this apply?
Use this sequence for any sudden spray, ceiling drip that turns into a stream, or hissing behind a wall after a freeze or impact.
03
Failure modes
What goes wrong?
Hunting for towels before finding the shutoff. Closing a fixture valve when the break is on the supply trunk. Leaving the water heater energized while the tank is flooding.
04
Proof
Why trust this guidance?
Hurst plumbing crews respond to freeze breaks and supply failures across Danville-area homes every winter. The homes that fare best already know where the main shutoff lives.
05
Action
What should you do next?
Locate your main shutoff today — then save our number. If water is already moving, call after you shut it down.
Photograph the damage for insurance after the water is off.
Do not open walls blindly — let a plumber confirm the leak path.
Glossary
Key terms for this guide — full definitions live in the Hurst plumbing & electrical glossary.
Questions homeowners ask
FAQ
Where is the main shutoff usually?
Often near where the water line enters — basement, crawl, utility closet, or an exterior meter box. If you cannot find it, we will show you on the next service visit.
Should I kill power to the water heater?
If the heater is in the flood zone or the tank is empty, shut power or gas control after the water is off. Do not run a dry electric element.
Can Hurst repair after hours?
Call the shop number. We schedule emergency plumbing based on severity and crew availability — we do not claim false 24/7 coverage.
Author & reviewer
Hurst Electric & Plumbing
Reviewed by Hurst Electric & Plumbing
Company-level review by the licensed Hurst plumbing and electrical team in Danville, KY — a dual-trade shop. Guidance reflects how we diagnose on-site, explain scope in writing, and close out under the Hurst standard. Last updated .