What should I do if a pipe bursts?

Shut off your main water valve immediately - this is located where the water line enters your home, typically in the basement near the front wall or by the water meter. Turn it clockwise to stop water flow and prevent flooding damage.

After stopping the water flow, turn off electricity to the affected area if there's any chance of water reaching electrical outlets or fixtures. Open faucets throughout your home to drain remaining water from the pipes, which reduces pressure and helps prevent additional bursts. If it's winter, this also helps prevent other pipes from freezing.

Document the damage immediately by taking photos for insurance purposes, then contact your insurance company to report the claim. Remove valuable items and furniture from the affected area if possible. In Ottawa's climate, burst pipes often happen during extreme cold snaps when pipes freeze and expand, so this is especially common in January and February.

Call a licensed plumber right away - burst pipes require immediate professional repair to prevent structural damage and mold growth. Don't attempt to repair the pipe yourself, as improper fixes can lead to bigger problems and insurance complications. Mark the request urgent and it goes straight to Ottawa plumbers - some take after-hours calls, because a burst pipe cannot wait for business hours.

Prevention tip: Know where your main water shutoff is located before an emergency happens, and consider having your pipes inspected if your home is older or you've had freezing issues before. In Ottawa's harsh winters, keeping a small trickle of water running during extreme cold can prevent freezing in vulnerable pipes.

For immediate burst pipe repair in Ottawa, contact Ottawa Pro Plumbing's emergency line - we're available 24/7 and can typically respond within an hour to minimize water damage.