When a pipe bursts in your Calgary home, every second counts. Water can pour out at rates of 2-4 gallons per minute, causing thousands of dollars in damage within hours. This emergency checklist provides step-by-step instructions for what to do immediately when you discover a burst pipe: shut off your main water supply, turn off electricity in affected areas, document damage for insurance, remove belongings from water's path, and call emergency plumbing services.
Learn where to find your main shutoff valve, how to stop water flow quickly, when to call 911 versus a plumber, and critical actions that minimize damage during those first crucial minutes. We cover insurance claim procedures, water removal techniques, and how to prevent secondary damage like mold growth. Keep this emergency guide accessible knowing exactly what to do during a burst pipe emergency, Calgary crisis can save you thousands in repair costs.
It's every Calgary homeowner's nightmare: you hear rushing water, discover a flooded basement, or see water pouring from a ceiling. A burst pipe is dumping gallons of water into your home every minute, and panic sets in.
What you do in the next few minutes determines whether you face minor repairs or catastrophic damage costing tens of thousands of dollars. When a pipe bursts, there's no time to research solutions. You need to act immediately and correctly.
This emergency checklist tells you exactly what to do when a pipe bursts in Calgary, step by step, so you can minimize damage and protect your home.
When you discover a burst pipe, follow these steps in order. Speed matters more than perfection.
Your main water shutoff valve is the single most important thing you need to know about your plumbing system. Every second water flows from a burst pipe causes additional damage.
Location: Your main shutoff valve is typically located near your water meter in the basement, where the main water line enters your home through the foundation, in a utility room, or sometimes in a crawl space.
How to shut it off: Turn the valve clockwise (righty-tighty) until it stops. If you have a lever-style valve, turn it 90 degrees so it's perpendicular to the pipe. You may need significant force. Valves that haven't been turned in years and can be stiff.
If you can't find or operate your main shutoff: Call your emergency plumber immediately and tell them you cannot shut off the water. In extreme cases, contact the City of Calgary Water Services (311) to shut off water at the street.
Critical: Every Calgary homeowner should locate their main shutoff valve RIGHT NOW, before an emergency occurs. Test it to ensure it operates properly.
Electrical safety comes second only to stopping water flow. Water and electricity create deadly electrocution risks.
If water is near electrical outlets, appliances, or your electrical panel: Do NOT enter the area. Go to your main electrical panel and shut off breakers for affected areas. If water has reached your electrical panel or you cannot safely access it, call 911 and wait for emergency responders.
Never touch electrical switches or appliances while standing in water or while wet. Even if you think power is off, treat all electrical sources as live until a qualified electrician verifies safety.
Once the main water is shut off, open all faucets (hot and cold) throughout your home. This drains remaining water from pipes and relieves pressure, preventing additional damage.
Start with faucets on the lowest level of your home, then work upward. Open outdoor faucets too if accessible. Flush toilets once or twice to drain water from toilet tanks.
Before you clean up or move anything, document the damage thoroughly. Your insurance claim depends on this evidence.
Take photos and videos showing the burst pipe location, all water damage to floors, walls and ceilings, damaged belongings and furniture, water level and extent of flooding, and any visible damage.
Create a written inventory of damaged items including approximate value and purchase dates if possible.
Don't throw away damaged items until your insurance adjuster has seen them. Move them to a dry area but keep everything.
Professional help is essential for burst pipe emergency situations. While you've stopped the immediate flooding, the pipe needs professional repair before you can restore water service.
Call 24/7 emergency plumbers who can respond immediately. ERM Plumbing & Heating provides emergency burst pipe repair service throughout Calgary with rapid response times.
What to tell the dispatcher: You have a burst pipe and have shut off main water, location of the burst, extent of flooding, whether electricity is affected, and your contact information.
Once water is stopped and help is on the way, focus on damage control.
Move items away from water immediately. Prioritize electronics, important documents, furniture, valuable belongings, and items with sentimental value.
Elevate furniture that's too large to move by placing it on blocks to prevent water absorption.
Start removing water immediately. The longer water sits, the more damage occurs and the higher the mold risk.
For minor flooding (less than an inch): Use mops, towels, buckets, or a wet-dry shop vacuum. Focus on absorbent materials first.
For major flooding (more than an inch): Call professional water restoration services. Don't attempt DIY removal of large-scale flooding professional equipment is necessary.
Time matters: Mold growth begins within 24-48 hours of water exposure. Rapid water removal is critical.
Ventilation helps dry affected areas. Open windows (if weather permits) and doors to improve air circulation.
Run fans pointed at wet areas. Any available fans help evaporate moisture.
Dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air. Professional restoration companies use industrial dehumidifiers far more powerful than residential units.
Don't close off wet areas. Air circulation is essential. Sealing wet spaces traps moisture and accelerates mold growth.
Report the claim immediately, ideally within 24 hours of discovering damage. Most policies require prompt notification.
Information they'll need: Date and time you discovered the burst pipe, location of the burst, what caused it (if known), extent of damage, and photos/videos you've taken.
Ask about: Your deductible amount, coverage limits for water damage, coverage for emergency repairs and temporary housing, adjuster inspection timeline, and requirements for professional restoration.
Keep all receipts for emergency repairs, water removal services, temporary housing, and damaged item replacement. These may be reimbursable.
Avoid these common mistakes:
Don't ignore safety: Never prioritize belongings over personal safety. Don't enter flooded areas with electrical hazards.
Don't delay calling professionals: Attempting DIY repairs on burst pipes usually fails and delays proper repair.
Don't use space heaters near water: Space heaters and water create serious fire and electrical risks.
Don't restart utilities: Don't turn water or electricity back on until professionals verify it's safe.
Call 911 if:
Call emergency plumber if:
Take these steps now, before the next emergency:
✓ Locate your main water shutoff valve and ensure everyone in your household knows where it is
✓ Test the shutoff valve to ensure it operates properly
✓ Label your electrical panel clearly identifying which breakers control which areas
✓ Save emergency plumber contact information in multiple locations
✓ Take photos of your home and belongings for insurance purposes
✓ Review your insurance policy to understand water damage coverage
✓ Keep a wet-dry vacuum accessible for quick response to minor water issues
Burst pipe emergencies are terrifying, but knowing exactly what to do makes all the difference. Remember the critical first steps: shut off main water, turn off electricity in affected areas, document damage, remove belongings, and call emergency plumbers.
Speed and correct action in those first minutes determine whether you face minor repairs or devastating damage. Don't panic, follow this checklist systematically.
Every Calgary homeowner should prepare for this emergency before it happens. Locate your shutoff valve today, not during a crisis.
Experiencing a burst pipe emergency in Calgary?
ERM Plumbing & Heating provides 24/7 emergency response for burst pipes throughout Calgary. Our experienced technicians arrive quickly with the equipment and expertise to stop leaks, repair damaged pipes, and minimize water damage to your home. We understand that burst pipe emergency situations require immediate action that's why we're available around the clock, every day of the year.
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