⚠️ Water touching outlets, your electrical panel, or ceiling light fixtures? Don't walk through it — go to the electrical hazard guide and call a professional.
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🚰 Burst or Frozen Pipe

The first 15 minutes decide how bad this gets. Breathe. Then work the list.

Immediate danger check: if water is reaching your electrical panel, outlets, or fixtures — or you hear crackling — do not wade in. Leave the area and get a professional. If anything is sparking or smoking, call 911.

1Safe first steps

  • Shut off the main water valve. In most rowhomes it's in the basement at the front wall, where the water line enters near the meter — turn clockwise. Every adult in the house should know this valve.
  • If the main won't budge, look for a fixture shut-off closer to the leak (under sinks, behind toilets, at the water heater).
  • Open the lowest faucet in the house (basement laundry tub is ideal) to drain pressure from the pipes.
  • If it's a frozen pipe that hasn't burst: keep the faucet open a trickle and warm the pipe gently with a hair dryer or warm towels, working from the faucet toward the frozen spot.
  • Move belongings out of the water path; put foil or plastic under furniture legs you can't move.

✕What not to do

  • Never thaw a pipe with an open flame, torch, or grill — this starts house fires every winter.
  • Don't use electrical appliances while standing on a wet floor.
  • Don't assume it's fixed because the dripping stopped — a frozen blockage can hide a split that gushes when it thaws.
  • Don't sign anything with a restoration company that shows up uninvited.

📷What to document (before cleanup)

  • Video of active leaking and standing water, with a slow pan of each affected room.
  • Photos of the failed pipe section, water lines on walls, and damaged belongings.
  • The time you discovered it and the time you shut the water off.
  • Keep the broken pipe section if a plumber cuts it out — insurers sometimes want it.

?Questions to ask a plumber

  • "Are you registered/licensed for this work in my state?" — then verify yourself: PA HIC search, MD MHIC search, NJ license verification.
  • "Is this a repair or does the run need replacing?" — old galvanized pipe often fails again next to the patch.
  • "What's the trip/diagnostic fee, and does it count toward the repair?"
  • "Will you provide an itemized written invoice?" (You'll want it for insurance.)
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Educational disclaimer: Rowhome Ready is an educational directory, not an emergency dispatcher, plumber, or insurer. Call 911, your utility, or another emergency authority when there is immediate danger. Confirm current service hours, pricing, insurance, licensing, and availability directly with each business.