A burst pipe is stressful and it's easy to panic. Here are the simple steps to take in the first few minutes that can make a significant difference to the amount of water damage you end up with.
Step 1: Turn off the water supply immediately
Find your main water shutoff valve and turn it off. In most Hobart homes it's near the water meter at the front of the property, or inside near where the main water line enters the house. For a major burst, turn off the main — don't waste time trying to isolate the specific pipe while water is actively spraying.
Step 2: Turn off the hot water system
If the burst is on the hot side, turn off your hot water system too. For electric systems there's usually a dedicated circuit breaker in the switchboard. This prevents the system from running dry and damaging the element.
Step 3: Limit the water damage
Get towels down, move furniture, and if water is pooling near electrical outlets, don't touch them — that's a safety risk. Open doors and windows to start the drying process. The faster carpet and flooring dries, the less likely you are to end up with mould.
Step 4: Document and call
Take photos before you clean up — important if you're making an insurance claim. Then call a licensed plumber. We carry pipe repair materials for most common pipe types and can usually fix a burst pipe on the same visit.