The First 60 Seconds Matter Most
A burst pipe can release 4-8 gallons of water per minute. That's up to 480 gallons per hour flooding your home. The faster you act, the less damage you'll face.
Don't panic. Follow these steps in order.
Step 1: Shut Off the Water (Do This First)
Find your main water shut-off valve. In Vancouver homes, it's usually:
- Houses: Near the water meter, often in the basement, crawl space, or near the front foundation wall
- Condos: Under the kitchen sink, in a utility closet, or near the water heater
- Older homes: May be outside near the property line
Turn it clockwise (righty-tighty) until it stops. If it's a lever, turn it perpendicular to the pipe.
đź’ˇ Pro tip: If you can't find the main shut-off, look for a valve on the supply line closest to the leak and shut that off instead.
Step 2: Turn Off the Water Heater
Once the main water is off, turn off your water heater to prevent damage:
- Gas heater: Turn the gas valve to "pilot" or "off"
- Electric heater: Flip the breaker
This prevents the tank from overheating when there's no water flowing through it.
Step 3: Drain the Remaining Water
Open faucets throughout the house (both hot and cold) to drain remaining water from the pipes. This:
- Reduces pressure on the burst section
- Gets more water out of your walls before it causes damage
- Helps the burst pipe stop flowing faster
Flush toilets a few times too.
Step 4: Contain What You Can
While the pipes drain:
- Place buckets under active drips
- Move furniture and valuables away from wet areas
- Lift items off the floor — even an inch helps
- Mop up standing water if you can do so safely
Step 5: Document the Damage
Before cleaning up completely, take photos and video of:
- The burst pipe (if visible)
- Water damage to walls, floors, ceilings
- Damaged belongings
Your insurance company will need this.
Step 6: Call a Plumber
Now that the immediate crisis is contained, call an emergency plumber. Be ready to describe:
- Where the leak is (or where you see water)
- What type of pipe (copper, plastic, old galvanized)
- How long water was flowing
A professional can repair the pipe and check for damage you can't see.
What Causes Pipes to Burst?
Understanding the cause helps prevent it happening again:
Freezing (most common in Vancouver winters) Water expands when it freezes. If your pipes aren't insulated—especially in crawl spaces, exterior walls, or garages—they can crack.
Corrosion Older galvanized steel pipes corrode from inside. You can't see it coming until they fail.
High water pressure Pressure over 80 PSI stresses pipes and fittings. Consider a pressure regulator.
Age Pipes don't last forever. Galvanized steel: 20-50 years. Copper: 50-70 years. PEX: 40-50 years.
How to Prevent Future Bursts
Insulate exposed pipes — especially in unheated areas
Keep your home above 10°C — even when you're away in winter
Let faucets drip — during extreme cold snaps, a tiny drip prevents pressure buildup
Know your shut-off valve — find it now, before an emergency
Consider pipe replacement — if you have galvanized pipes over 40 years old