Shut off the main water valve first. It’s usually where the water line enters the house, in a basement, crawlspace, garage or utility closet, or at the meter by the street. Then turn off the water heater (the gas valve to “pilot” or the breaker for an electric unit), open the lowest faucet in the house to drain the lines, and keep people away from any outlet or appliance that’s gotten wet.

Move what you can out of the water, take photos for your insurance company, and start drying the area. Water that sits in drywall and subfloor for more than a day or two invites mold.

Then call (435) 268-1342. Burst pipes are an emergency at every Element location. Our plumbers answer 24/7, find the break, repair it and check the rest of the system.