Plumbing · checked 5 Oct 2026
A pipe burst or is spraying water
Safety, right now
- Keep everyone away from water near outlets, appliances, or wiring.
- Close your main water shutoff only if safely reachable.
- Call an emergency plumber now.
Fix it nowEight steps
- Stay out of standing water near electricity; keep children and pets away.Wet electrical equipment can cause fatal shock.
- Find your main water shutoff; check where water enters or near the meter.Use the homeowner's valve, not utility equipment.
- Close gently: lever perpendicular to pipe; round handle clockwise. Never force.Closing the valve stops incoming water.
The other five steps
- If inaccessible, stuck, or unidentified, call your water utility for emergency shutoff.Do not delay while water continues escaping.
- Call an emergency plumber; report the leak location and shutoff status.A damaged water pipe needs repair before restoring service.
- Leave water off until the plumber approves restoring it.Restoring pressure can restart flooding.
- Photograph damage from a safe, dry location; notify your insurer.Document damage without entering hazardous areas.
- After hazards are cleared, towel up small spills; arrange drying for soaked materials.Dry wet materials within 24–48 hours to limit mold.
When to stop
Stop and get a plumber if:
- Someone is shocked, unconscious, or not breathing: call 911; do not touch an energized person.
- Sparks, smoke, or burning smells: leave the area and call 911.
- Water reaches outlets, appliances, or the electrical panel: stay away; call an electrician. Never touch wet switches or breakers.
- The ceiling bulges, sags, or cracks: leave that room; do not puncture it.
- The shutoff is unsafe to reach, will not close, or spraying continues: call the water utility and emergency plumber.
What it probably is
Freeze damageSpraying starts during or after freezing weather; exposed piping may split.For a pro
Broken pipe or failed connectionWater shoots from a crack, joint, or disconnected supply line.For a pro
Time and parts
- Time
- 2–5 minutes for safe shutoff if the valve is accessible; not a repair.
- Parts
- $0 for shutoff using an existing handle; professional repair costs extra.
Fair price, if a pro does itUnited States
$200–2,894per job
Get it done
More than a quick fix? Vora gets quotes privately and recommends one plumber.
The plumbers we’d call in Tyler & Longview · Burst or frozen pipe: what to do
Checked against
- CDC: What to Do to Protect Yourself From Electrical Hazards
- Austin Water: Cold Weather Tips
- Texas Water Company: Find Your Water Meter & Shut Off Your Water
- EPA: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home
Written for Vora from these public sources and checked on 5 Oct 2026. General guidance, not a substitute for a pro on site. In danger, leave and call 911.