What to Do When a Burst Pipe Floods Your Basement

A basement full of water is never part of the plan. But if you’ve walked downstairs and found standing water from a burst pipe, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of options. Here’s what you need to do, right now, to protect your home and start the cleanup.

Step 1: Shut Off the Water

The faster you can stop the flow, the better. Find your main water shut-off valve—it’s usually in the basement near the front wall—and turn it clockwise until it stops.

If the break is in a localized line (like a pipe feeding a washing machine), you might be able to isolate it with a smaller shut-off valve.

Step 2: Kill the Power (If It’s Safe)

Water and electricity don’t mix. If there’s standing water and outlets, light fixtures, or a breaker panel nearby, do not step into the water. Instead, call an electrician.

If it's safe to access your breaker panel without touching water, shut off power to the basement to prevent any chance of shock or further damage.

Step 3: Call for Help

This is the time to bring in a pro. Water from a burst pipe spreads fast—and even clean water can turn into a mold issue within 24–48 hours.

Call us at Total Home Water Restoration. We’re based right here in Grove City and know how to act fast. We’ll extract the water, dry out your basement, and deal with damaged drywall, flooring, and insulation.

Call 380-246-1837 any time, day or night.

Step 4: Document the Damage

Before cleanup starts, snap photos and videos of everything the water touched—floors, walls, furniture, storage boxes. These will help with insurance claims.

If you have homeowner’s insurance, call your provider next. Ask if they cover burst pipe water damage and what their process is.

Step 5: Start Drying What You Can

If the water is minor and it’s safe:

• Move undamaged belongings to a dry area

• Use towels or a wet/dry vac to remove water

• Run dehumidifiers and fans

But skip this if there’s soaked insulation, drywall, or carpet. These need professional drying or replacement to avoid mold.

Step 6: Don’t Wait on Repairs

Here’s what we typically need to address after a pipe burst in a basement:

• Drywall removal and replacement (code requires removal 2 ft above the water line)

• Mold treatment or full remediation if growth has started

• Floor removal and drying (especially if it’s laminate or carpet over concrete)

• Plumbing repair and insulation to prevent freezing again

We’ll handle every step, from demo to rebuild.

FAQ: Basement Pipe Bursts

Q: Can I just wait for the basement to dry on its own?
No. Concrete might feel dry, but moisture stays trapped in walls, flooring, and under materials. That’s how mold gets started.

Q: How fast can you get here?
We’re Grove City based and respond 24/7. If your basement is flooding, we’ll prioritize you.

Q: Do you work with insurance?
Yes, we can document damage, provide estimates, and communicate directly with your adjuster.

When a pipe bursts, you don’t just need a cleanup crew—you need a licensed contractor who knows how to fix it all, the right way. That’s what we do.

Total Home Water Restoration
4141 Hoover Rd, Grove City, OH 43123
Call: 380-246-1837
Owner: Tyler Zimmerman

“From disaster to done right. We fix it like it’s our own home.”