This checklist covers the first hour after discovering a failed line. The deeper explanation of extraction and drying is on the burst pipe cleanup page. Your ticks stay in your browser and are not saved or sent.
Emergency first
If anyone is hurt, or you smell gas or see fire or sparking, call 911. This checklist is not a substitute for emergency or professional help.
1. Identify immediate danger
Gas odor, smoke, sparking, a sagging ceiling or water rising near the electrical panel. If any apply, leave and call 911 or the utility.
2. Avoid contact with water near energized equipment
Do not stand in water near outlets, cords, appliances or the panel. Do not switch breakers if you must cross water to reach them.
3. Locate the water shutoff, if safe
Main valve at the meter, where the line enters the house, or near the water heater. Close it fully. Only if the route is dry and safe.
4. Determine whether water is still flowing
Listen for running water; check a low faucet; watch the meter if you can. Note whether the leak slowed after shutoff.
5. Identify visible affected rooms and materials
Walk the property from a safe position. Note floors, ceilings, walls, cabinets, insulation visible, belongings.
6. Document damage safely
Wide and close photographs, a short video, the time you found it. Do not enter hazardous areas to get a better shot.
7. Contact plumbing and restoration help
A plumber repairs the pipe. Water extraction and drying are a separate scope. Tell your insurer.
8. Prepare a summary of affected areas
Use the summary box below to copy or print what you will say on the phone.
For example: kitchen floor (laminate), hallway ceiling, attic insulation.
When you found it, whether water is still flowing, where you think it started.
Preview summary text
Burst / frozen pipe checklist, Dallas Flood Guard Completed 0 of 8 steps. [ ] Identify immediate danger [ ] Avoid contact with water near energized equipment [ ] Locate the water shutoff, if safe [ ] Determine whether water is still flowing [ ] Identify visible affected rooms and materials [ ] Document damage safely [ ] Contact plumbing and restoration help [ ] Prepare a summary of affected areas Affected rooms and materials: (not entered) Notes (time found, water still flowing?, source): (not entered) This checklist is general guidance and does not replace emergency professional help.