What to Do When a Pipe Bursts: A Calgary Emergency Guide
The first ten minutes, the shut-off you should already know, and when to call.
Short answer: Shut off the main water valve first, then deal with everything else. Turn it clockwise until it stops. Next, open a low tap to drain the lines, cut power to any area where water is near outlets or the electrical panel, and call a plumber. The faster the water stops, the smaller the damage.
Most burst pipes in Calgary come from freezing, and they tend to let go when the pipe thaws. Knowing where your main shut-off is before you need it is the single most useful thing you can do.
The first ten minutes
- Shut off the main. It is usually in the basement where the water line comes through the foundation, near the water meter. Turn it clockwise until it stops. If it is a lever, turn it so the handle sits across the pipe.
- Open a low tap. A basement sink or laundry tap drains the lines and takes pressure off the break.
- Cut the power to the area at the electrical panel if water is near outlets, the panel or appliances. Do not stand in water to do it. If you cannot reach the panel safely, call 911.
- Turn off the water heater if the main is going to be off for more than a short while. Set a gas unit to pilot or vacation.
- Move valuables and start drying. Get electronics, papers and rugs out of the water. Take photos of the damage before you clean up.
- Call. Urgent calls jump the queue. Call or text 403-389-9775.
Where is the main shut-off?
| Home type | Where to look |
|---|---|
| House with a basement | On the water line where it enters through the foundation wall or floor, usually beside the meter |
| House with a crawlspace | Near the meter, sometimes just inside the crawlspace hatch |
| Townhouse or condo | Often in a mechanical closet or under the kitchen sink. Some units only have fixture shut-offs, so ask your building manager now |
Find it today, check that it turns, and show everyone in the house. A valve that has not moved in years can be stiff. If yours will not budge, have it replaced before you need it.
What about the meter or the line outside?
If water is coming up through the yard or the leak is at or before the meter, call 311 as well. The City of Calgary asks residents to shut the main and contact 311 if the house is flooding. The homeowner is responsible for repairs to the service on their side of the property line, and the City requires those repairs within 15 days.
After the water is off
- Call your insurer early. Ask whether they want to send a restoration company before anything is removed.
- Get the area drying within the first day or two. Wet drywall, insulation and carpet underlay are where mould starts.
- Do not turn the water back on until the break is repaired, unless the plumber isolates that line for you.
Why do pipes burst?
| Cause | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| Freezing | Ice splits the pipe, and it leaks when it thaws. The most common cause in a Calgary winter |
| Aging Poly-B | Brittle pipe or failing fittings give way without warning |
| High water pressure | Constant stress on pipes and fittings |
| Corrosion in older metal pipe | Pinhole leaks that grow |
Our frozen pipes guide covers prevention, and if your home was built between 1978 and 1998, here is how to check for Poly-B.
Common questions
Which way do I turn the main water shut-off?
Clockwise for a round wheel handle. For a lever handle, turn it a quarter turn so it sits across the pipe.
Should I turn off the water heater when a pipe bursts?
If the main will be off for a while, yes. Set a gas water heater to pilot or vacation so it is not heating with no water coming in.
Does home insurance cover a burst pipe?
Many policies cover sudden water damage, but terms vary, and damage from freezing while a home was left unattended can be treated differently. Call your insurer or broker right away.
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