Emergency guide
What to Do When a Pipe Bursts in Jacksonville, FL
If a pipe bursts, stay clear of water near electrical equipment and close your home's main water shutoff if you can reach it safely. Then call a plumber.
Take these steps in order
A broken supply pipe can keep releasing water until the supply is shut off. Protect people before trying to protect the property.
- Keep everyone away from standing water near outlets, appliances or electrical equipment. Never stand in water to reach a breaker panel. If there is immediate danger, leave and call 911.
- If it is safe to reach, close the home's main water shutoff. If the valve is stuck or you cannot find it, call your water provider or a plumber rather than forcing it.
- Once the supply is off, open a cold-water faucet to relieve remaining pressure. Water may still drain from the pipe for a short time.
- Call (904) 862-6927 for plumbing help. North Florida Plumbing answers 24/7 and serves Duval, St. Johns, Clay and Nassau counties.
- Only when the area is safe, move belongings away from the leak and photograph the damage for your insurer. Do not use electrical cleanup equipment in an unsafe wet area.
If electricity, gas or a frozen pipe is involved
Do not touch wet electrical equipment or enter standing water to switch off power. Contact emergency services or a qualified electrician when electrical safety is uncertain.
If you smell gas, leave immediately. Do not use switches, appliances or a phone inside the affected area. Call 911 or your gas utility from a safe location.
If freezing caused the break, leave the water supply off and call a plumber. Never use a torch or an open flame on a frozen pipe.
Before turning the water back on
Have the broken pipe repaired and the affected area checked. Follow your plumber's and water-heater manufacturer's instructions before restoring the water supply or operating equipment affected by the leak. Plumbing repair does not replace an electrical or water-damage assessment.
Safety references
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